Labor Trafficking Protocol Guidelines: Identifying and Responding to Victims of Labor Trafficking 24 Years Old and Under

• NCJ Number: 252705
• Date Published: January 2019
• Length: 114 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2016-MU-MU-K153
• Agencies: OVC-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Guideline

Annotation

These Labor Trafficking Protocol Guidelines are intended to assist communities throughout Minnesota identify and respond to victims of labor trafficking, especially youth 24 years old and younger.

Abstract

These protocol guidelines are based on information collected from just over 100 professionals and trafficking experts throughout Minnesota. They reflect the needs of rural, suburban, and urban communities in addressing labor trafficking. Labor trafficking occurs when an employer compels or tricks a worker into involuntary labor. It occurs most often in industries in which workers are itinerant or isolated, as well as where an industry is fissured or illegal. Involuntary labor typically occurs under abusive conditions, such as unsafe work environment, long hours without breaks, or work without pay. Section 1 of the protocol guidelines provides key information for individuals and organizations on the definitions of labor trafficking and how it occurs. Section 2 contains information to be reviewed by those who may interact with victims of labor trafficking or who want to learn more about the components of a comprehensive response to labor trafficking that includes victim protection. Section 3 provides a tool to help communities plan their response to labor trafficking. Section 4 contains guidelines and best practices for organizations and agencies identified as possibly interacting with trafficking victims; however, all sectors should refer to the Universal Protocol for guidance. Section 5 contains recommendations for changes in law and practice to guide policymakers, government agencies, and funders in improving Minnesota's response to young victims of labor trafficking. Appendices provide a list of federal and state statutes related to labor trafficking, a directory of Minnesota labor trafficking service providers, a list of key resources, materials for trafficking victims, and a sample of the survey used in researching existing services for trafficking victims.