When systems focus solely on punishment, we miss the opportunity to truly change a life.  Individuals that have been victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking are especially vulnerable to being pulled deeper into the justice system and therefore criminalized for behaviors rooted in trauma, instead of being offered the support they urgently need. Now more than ever, advocates and judicial systems must work together to break this cycle.  With rising concerns about sexual exploitation, mental health crises, and the lasting impact of incarceration, trauma-informed interventions are critical. 

This session will center around a real case example where advocacy and judicial collaboration successfully diverted a human trafficking survivor away from incarceration and toward a path of healing and stability.  Participants will explore practical strategies for working with judges, attorneys, probation officers, advocates, therapists and case managers to shift outcomes for victims of exploitation, and discover effective frameworks for helping them build safe, resilient futures.
 
Attendees will walk away with concrete tools for effective court collaboration, insights into diversion programs specific to sexually exploited and trafficked individuals, and strategies for building advocacy plans, and community partnerships that prioritize safety, and long-term recovery.  Whether you are an advocate, case manager, clinician, or court partner, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to help victims not just survive but reclaim their futures.