Safe Harbor in the Storm: Minnesota’s Response for Sexually Exploited Youth

Course Description:

Creating a statewide safety net for Minnesota’s youth who are being sexually exploited is no easy task, and no one entity can do it alone. It takes genuine partnerships, a public health approach, and commitment from all stakeholders. The Safe Harbor Law has led to the implementation of a victim-centered system of response to identify youth victims of sexual exploitation and move them toward healing. Attendees will learn about sexual exploitation, Safe Harbor, and how to join efforts to respond to youth victims with a trauma-informed approach and become an important part of the Safe Harbor safety net for youth.

Presenter Bios:

Dina Chou works at the MN Department of Human Services managing grants for Safe Harbor Shelter and Housing programs and does policy work related to services for youth who have been trafficked or exploited. Before coming to DHS, Dina worked with families experiencing homelessness in Hennepin County.

Paula Schaefer is the Safe Harbor Training Coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Health, providing training for agencies serving sexually exploited/sex trafficked children and youth. Paula was a consultant for a number of years for the child welfare and juvenile justice systems providing consultation for agencies throughout the U.S and Canada.

James Scott is the Senior Program Manager for StreetWorks, a collaborative of youth serving agencies in the seven county metro area and a program of Lutheran Social Services. Before joining StreetWorks, James Scott worked for HCMC’s Inpatient Psychology Department and managed the shelter, transitional living and outreach programs for Hope Street in South Minneapolis.