Unleashing Potential: Strategies to Access Employment and Education for Trafficked Youth

Purpose and Objective

Child and youth trafficking inherently involves victimization that takes place in a “workplace” setting, and is often highly correlated with significant interruptions in education and employment. Together, the National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) and Love146, are working to address the barriers to employment and education that exist for survivors of trafficking and provide ways to better prepare workforce development programs to address the unique needs of this population.

Education and Employment for Survivors of Trafficking

Human trafficking is the commodification of someone’s body for personal pleasure and financial gain. This form of victimization often takes place at the hands of multiple offenders over extended periods of time and results in significant complex trauma. Following this form of victimization, it is not uncommon for youth to find it difficult to see a future for themselves and recognize the value or purpose of reengaging in school or learning a trade, ultimately causing them to become disconnected. Their inability to envision a future for themselves may stem from the near fatal level of violence they experienced, the death of peers, or the repeated messages they were told by their traffickers or others that they would never amount to anything. These youth are also well aware of the money that they can earn through the underground economy, and thus may not see the need for or benefits of a traditional job. Through victimization, these youth learn “their value” in economic terms; they see how much someone is willing to pay to engage in various acts with them, often on an hourly basis.

In order to be successful in supporting this population, educational and workforce development programs must be trauma-informed and trained to recognize and respond to the unique challenges and needs of this population. For example, when figuring out how youth can obtain needed health credits to graduate, educational programs could get creative by offering independent studies or other alternatives that would not require youth to sit in a classroom with their peers and be exposed to potentially triggering images or discussions. Similarly, when developing a resume, providers could shift their focus away from how youth have previously earned money and instead focus on skill sets. Many youth who have been trafficked have remarkable customer service and problem solving skills because they needed these skills to survive. Programs also need to be ready and prepared to address the real safety risks that may be associated with this form of violence so that they can support youth if their trafficker knows where they go to school or work. Similarly, if information regarding their victimization can be found online or if their participation will be needed as part of an ongoing criminal investigation, programs will need to help youth prepare for any questions that might emerge during interviews, on the job, or at school.

Providers must be willing to invest in the relentless work that it takes to help these youth envision a future for themselves. Internalizing the idea that one has a future is powerful, and will inform all future decision making. Youth who envision a future for themselves understand the benefits of attending vocational training or post-secondary education, are more willing to save money for future purchases, and have an internalized sense of self-worth and future thinking that helps them pursue career advancement. As part of this work, providers must be prepared to have real and honest conversations about the fact that the underground economy often initially pays more than entry level jobs and must be willing to openly discuss the pros and cons of various life choices.

For this population, low barriers for entry, non-judgemental approaches, and opportunities for reengagement are critical. Leaving trafficking exploitation is often difficult and not a linear process. It is not uncommon for youth who have experienced this form of victimization to run away, frequently more than once, or even back to the people who have exploited them. These behaviors can further disrupt their education and employment prospects, and are often mislabeled by providers or employers as youth being “non-compliant.” In reality, these behaviors are normal and well documented. Programs should be designed to anticipate and respond to these normative behaviors and decision-making.

Programs should also anticipate the significant wraparound services that will be required to successfully work with this population. Victims of trafficking often have significant trauma symptoms, functional impairments, and mental health complexities. They are also more likely to be system involved. Wraparound case management must be available and able to provide or refer out for crisis intervention, safety planning, assistance meeting basic needs, mental and sexual health services, and other needed services. Even youth who are actively interested in reengaging in their education and obtaining employment require ongoing support and services to maintain initial success.

While education and employment services might look different for this population, investment in them can truly change lives. Victims of human trafficking are most likely to recover from their victimization and remain free from it when they have the skills, resources, and confidence to attain financial independence. In fact, research shows that the ability of individuals to earn sustainable standards of living plays a critical role in their health and overall well-being. That said,  service providers, policymakers and funders must work together to help the overlooked population of disconnected youth and trafficked children to help overcome barriers and identify sustainable solutions that can be adopted nationwide.