Lunch and Learn Series: Florida Department of Health's Human Trafficking Dashboard

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Thursday, October 14, 2021 , 12 Noon to 1pm, EST (11 am - 12 Noon, CST)

Presented by the UCF Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

Join us for a presentation by Florida Department of Health’s Director of Public Health Research, Keisa Reid, PhD. In her role, Dr. Reid oversees the Biomedical Research program as well as several non-infectious disease surveillance and epidemiology programs, including environmental, injury, drug overdose, and occupational epidemiology; population-based health surveys; and the Florida cancer and birth defects registries. 

Dr. Reid will discuss DOH’s new Human Trafficking Dashboard hosted in Florida CHARTS (Community Health Assessment Resource Tool Set), which offers a data-driven human trafficking profile for the state of Florida.

Register for the event: https://events.ucf.edu/event/2244060/lunch-and-learn-series-florida-department-of-healths-human-trafficking-dashboard/

Lunch and Learn Series: Identifying and Assisting Minor Male Victims of Trafficking

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021, 12 Noon to 1pm, EST (11 am - 12 Noon, CST)

Presented by the UCF Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

When we talk about sex trafficking, we often focus on adult females and young girls and fail to include boys in the conversation. Despite this oversight, the Department of Justice estimates that 36% of minor sex trafficking victims are boys. 

In this training, provided by John Long, the Executive Director of the U.S. Institute of Human Trafficking, we will look at the under-identified and under-reported minor male victims of sex trafficking. 

We will discuss how boys are recruited and how they are forced to stay in the life. Participants will also learn how to better identify minor male victims of trafficking.

About the speaker:
As the Executive Director of the U.S. Institute of Human Trafficking (USIAHT), John Long oversees its day-to-day operation and maintains a safe, positive environment where young men can begin the journey toward recovery. USIAHT’s Safe Home is the first home dedicated to the care of minor male victims of sex trafficking in the United States. John works to build relationships between the surrounding community, the Safe House, and its various partners and providers. John brings extensive experience with youth and criminal justice to his work. As a case manager and administrative facilitator for the Department of Juvenile Justice in Florida, he worked alongside young men and women implicated in the justice system, striving to provide them with the care and tools they needed to turn their lives around. This experience made him aware of the horrors of human trafficking and catalyzed his passion for helping children who have been exploited in this ugly trade.

Register at: https://events.ucf.edu/event/2244066/lunch-and-learn-series-identifying-and-assisting-minor-male-victims-of-trafficking/

Disaster Food Stamps (DSNAP)

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The USDA has approved DSNAP for 25 parishes including Orleans affected by Hurricane Ida. The virtual process will run 3 weeks beginning September 20, 2021. The process is smoother if you pre-register. Please note those that already receive SNAP are not eligible for DSNAP. Please see the below schedule.

The LAHelpU Customer Service Center contact information is at http://dcfs.la.gov/page/lahelpu-customer-service-center-information,

Application Schedule

Clients should call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at (888) 524-3578  to apply and be interviewed for DSNAP on their designated day (according to the first letter of their last name) or on the A-Z days, which are open to all residents in the approved parishes and ZIP codes for each phase. Parishes were assigned to each phase based on power, telephone/internet connectivity, mail delivery and grocery stores are open at the time the DSNAP request was submitted. 


PHASE 1 – September 20-25

E. Baton Rouge, E. Feliciana, Iberia, Orleans, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Washington, W. Baton Rouge and W. Feliciana

Day 1 (Monday, Sept. 20) – Residents with last names beginning with A-F
Day 2 (Tuesday, Sept. 21) – G-M
Day 3 (Wednesday, Sept. 22) – N-S
Day 4 (Thursday, Sept. 23) – T-Z
Day 5 (Friday, Sept. 24) – Open for all (letters A-Z) in the Phase 1 parishes
Day 6 (Saturday, Sept. 25) – Open for all (letters A-Z) in the Phase 1 parishes

PHASE 2 – September 27-October 2

Ascension, Assumption, Iberville, Jefferson, Livingston, Plaquemines, St. Helena, St. Martin (lower St. Martin Parish ZIPs only 70339 & 70380), St. Mary and Tangipahoa

Day 1 (Monday, Sept. 27) – Residents with last names beginning with A-F
Day 2 (Tuesday, Sept. 28) – G-M
Day 3 (Wednesday, Sept. 29) – N-S
Day 4 (Thursday, Sept. 30) – T-Z
Day 5 (Friday, Oct. 1) – Open for all (letters A-Z) in the Phase 2 parishes
Day 6 (Saturday, Oct. 2) – Open for all (letters A-Z) in the Phase 2 parishes

PHASE 3 – October 4-9
Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist and Terrebonne

Day 1 (Monday, Oct. 4) – Residents with last names beginning with A-F
Day 2 (Tuesday, Oct. 5) – G-M
Day 3 (Wednesday, Oct. 6) – N-S
Day 4 (Thursday, Oct. 7) – T-Z
Day 5 (Friday, Oct. 8) – Open for all (letters A-Z) in the Phase 3 parishes
Day 6 (Saturday, Oct. 9) – Open for all (letters A-Z) in the Phase 3 parishes

Keep Calm Line 1-866-310-7977 (24/7)

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Trained and compassionate individuals are available to support you during Hurricane Ida, the COVID-19 response or any emotional crisis. They will provide information and help to link you to confidential mental health and substance use services.

For more resources: https://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Coronavirus/resources/obh/Behavioral-Health-Immediate-Resources.pdf

Storm Recovery Resources

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Please go to links for additional information:

  1. Louisiana United Way 211 – Information and Referral Help Line
    Referrals for emergency food, clothing, shelter, crisis counseling, rental, and utility assistance. Call 2-1-1 on your phone.

  2. Disaster Assistance.gov
    Apply for disaster recovery assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov.

  3. FEMA Hurricane Laura Disaster Assistance Referral Reference List (PDF)
    An eight-page PDF of assistance resources and contact information.

  4. Social Service – Housing Resource Help Line
    A nonprofit organization that helps people find affordable housing, free of charge.

  5. Louisiana Workforce Commission
    Disaster unemployment assistance provides weekly payments to those out of work due to the disaster, including people not covered by regular unemployment insurance.

  6. Louisiana Department of Health: Medicaid
    Medicaid provides no-cost health care coverage for Louisianans with low income.

  7. Women’s, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
    WIC is a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5 years old.

FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program

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The FEMA transitional sheltering assistance program has been activated, meaning New Orleanians displaced by Ida may be eligible for paid hotel lodging. You must apply for disaster assistance first at http://disasterassistance.gov to be deemed eligible. More: http://femaevachotels.com

Transportation to shetlers in Northern LA will end on September 7, 2021, at 4pm, CST. For more information see https://ready.nola.gov/incident/hurricane-ida/post-storm-evacuation/

Emergency Immigration Services for those affected by Ida

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USCIS New Orleans Offices Will Remain Closed Until Further Notice

Appointments automatically rescheduled; emergency services available

 NEW ORLEANS —The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services New Orleans field office and application support center (ASC), located at 1250 Poydras St., and the New Orleans asylum office, located at 2424 Edenborn Ave. in Metairie, will remain closed until further notice due to the effects of Hurricane Ida. Those with appointments scheduled will receive notification of a new date. Applicants are encouraged to check https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings for the most up-to-date information on office closures. 

 Emergency immigration services, such as travel documents or evidence of permanent residency, are available to those affected by Hurricane Ida by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Individuals in need of in-person services will be scheduled an expedited appointment at the USCIS office in Montgomery, Ala.

 For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Sheltering Assistance Information due to Hurricane Ida

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Sheltering assistance information due to Hurricane Ida dial 211, or text LASHELTER to 898-211 in Baton Rouge and Alexandria, Louisiana. Or, call 1-800- RED CROSS (800 – 733 – 2767). You can also download the Red Cross Emergency App for shelter locations.

For Orleans Parish text NOLAReady to 77295. For a list of locations offering free meals, water and air-conditioning in City download the app NOLA.com, or visit the website www.NOLA.com. The link also provides locations for the City’s meal distribution centers. Call 1-866-310-7977 24/7 for trained counselors available 24/7. All calls are confidential. For special medical needs contact 311. 

For Jefferson Parish call 504-349-5360, or visit website at Jefferson Parish Shelter Information.

If you are experiencing an emergency that is life threatening call 911.

Engagement Invitation: USCIS Virtual Listening Session on Public Charge Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites you to participate in a virtual listening session on Public Charge. During the sessions, we will ask for your feedback on the public charge ground of inadmissibility. 

  • On Sept. 14 at 2 pm Eastern we will host a session for the general public.

  • On Oct. 5 at 2 pm Eastern we will host a session open to state, territorial, local, and tribal benefits granting agencies and nonprofit organizations.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking feedback from the public on creating a new public charge rule that is fair and consistent, while not imposing undue burdens on noncitizens seeking admission to or permanent resident status in the United States. DHS will consider the information collected from the listening session in addition to the written comments submitted to Regulations.gov by Oct. 22, 2021.

On March 9, 2021, a federal court vacated the 2019 public charge rule, under which DHS could have found certain noncitizens inadmissible if they had accessed (or were likely to access) a wide range of public benefits (such as Medicaid, food stamps, or other assistance), preventing them from being admitted to or becoming permanent residents of the United States. DHS is beginning to work on a new, more equitable policy.

On Aug. 20, 2021, DHS published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to solicit public comments, including from state, territorial, local and tribal agencies that provide public benefits, nonprofit organizations and others. DHS will use these comments to help guide public charge policy. Asking for broad input from the public is a crucial step in making sure that DHS develops public charge regulations that avoid undue fear in the immigrant community and eliminate confusion among immigrant-serving organizations, benefit-granting agencies and the public.

To register for this engagement, please follow the steps below:

  1. Visit the registration page provided below for the session you wish to attend to confirm your participation for the engagement:

General Public session registration page

State, territorial, local, and tribal benefits granting agencies and nonprofit organizations registration page

  1. Enter your email address and select “Submit.”

  2. Select “Subscriber Preferences.”

  3. Select the “Questions” tab.

  4. Provide your location, organization name and organization type (if applicable).

  5. Complete the questions and select “Submit.”

Once we process your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with additional details.

If you have any questions about the registration process, or if you have not received a confirmation email within three business days, please email us at public.engagement@uscis.dhs.gov.

USCIS recommends joining 10 to 15 minutes before the session begins.

To request a disability accommodation, please write to public.engagement@uscis.dhs.gov at least three days before your session.

Note to Media: This engagement is not for press purposes. Please contact the USCIS Press Office at media@uscis.dhs.gov for any media inquiries.

Continued Presence Resource Guide

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ICE recently published a first ever Continued Presence (CP) Resource Guide to assist federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies nationwide in their human trafficking investigations and prosecutions. When used by law enforcement, as you well know, CP is a tool that can increase the likelihood of success in human trafficking investigations and prosecutions. CP is a temporary immigration designation provided to individuals identified by law enforcement as human trafficking victims who may be potential witnesses or have filed federal civil actions. CP is granted in two-year increments and is renewable. Recipients are eligible for federal benefits and services which provides victims stability, a means of support, and protection from removal. It alleviates fears about removal and economic support, which not only stabilizes victims but also improves victims’ ability to seek justice against their traffickers.

For more information visit DHS Center to Counter Human Trafficking.

ICE announces updated policy to support noncitizen victims of crime

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced today its updated policy to support noncitizen victims of crime. ICE will help victims seek justice and facilitate access to immigration benefits for noncitizens who have been victims of crime. This new policy is designed to improve victims’ ability to seek justice against perpetrators of crime, including in cases of human trafficking. For more information see: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-announces-updated-policy-support-noncitizen-victims-crime

Gang Sex Trafficking: What you need to know!

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You are invited to join a two part series presented by Marina Anderson, Florida Department of Children and Families Regional Human Trafficking Coordinator for Northeast and Northwest Regions.

Part 2: Gang Sex Trafficking: What you need to know! 

Monday, October 25, 2021, 12 Noon – 1:30 PM, CST /1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, EST

Gangs conduct criminal activity in all 50 states. Although most gang activity is concentrated in major urban areas, gangs also are proliferating in rural and suburban areas as gang members flee increasing law enforcement pressure in urban areas. During this session, attendees while learn to recognize signs of gang involvement including gang tattoos, terminology, graffiti and using hand signals. Attendees will also be able to recognize the warning signs and risk factors of youth gang recruitment. This session will also discuss the female's role in gangs and how gang sex trafficking differs from other forms of trafficking.

Register in advance: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAoc-CvrzMsGtH68rDbN08-xtVQQyAZmSxZ

 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Danger! Social Media Recruitment is on the rise since COVID 

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You are invited to join a two part series presented by Marina Anderson, Florida Department of Children and Families Regional Human Trafficking Coordinator for Northeast and Northwest Regions.

Part 1: Danger! Social Media Recruitment is on the rise since COVID 

Monday, September 27, 2021, 12 Noon – 1:30 PM, CST /1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, EST 

Social media is increasingly being exploited to contact, recruit and sell children for sex. Some traffickers use online ads to target victims or they will send friend or follow requests to young people in their region and proceed to strike up a conversation and develop online friendships. These conversations may start off friendly and innocent, but then the traffickers will begin to use manipulation to charm their potential victims. The online friendship quickly evolves to a romantic relationship and this is where the sextortion techniques are used to lure their victims into Human Trafficking. During this session attendees while learn to recognize signs of Social Media Recruitment and how traffickers lure their victims on the internet. Attendees will learn about the dangerous of popular social media sites and apps. This session will also discuss popular Emoji's and their hidden meaning used to communicate sexual gesture when texting or communicating on internet sites and social media apps.

Register in advance:

 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpde2upzMqGdS0jfknZAewZxO1fTu9W-sw 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Two Days: Human Trafficking 101

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The Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force (GNOHTTF) invite community members to increase knowledge and skills regarding human trafficking identification and response among the professionals most likely to come into contact with victims of human trafficking in their line of work.

The program is led by a team of trained professionals from the fields of social work, medicine, law enforcement, child advocacy, gender rights/justice, education, immigration, law, and criminal justice. At the completion of the training, participants will be better equipped to address the needs of survivors employing evidence-based, trauma-informed, and victim-centered approaches to human trafficking.

The training is provided free of charge and is funded in part by the Department of Justice and Office of Victim Services Enhanced Collaborative Model Anti-Trafficking Grant.

Trainers at this year's training will include representatives from:
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- Louisiana Child Advocacy Centers
- Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office
- University of Washington
- Tulane University Human Trafficking Legal Clinic
- Sheffield Hallam University Forced Labor Lab
- and more!

The free training is 2 full days, and will take place August 30, 2021, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, CST, and September 13, 2021, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, CST, online via Zoom.

Please use this link to REGISTER. After registering, you will receive an email a few days before each event containing the Zoom link for joining the meeting.

Core Competencies for Human Trafficking Response in Health Care and Behavioral Health Systems

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Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2021, 12 Noon - 2:00 pm, CST.,

Presenter: Hanni Stoklosa, MD, MPH, Founding CEO of HEAL Trafficking, an emergency physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) with appointments at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative.

The Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force and HEAL Trafficking are piloting the implementation of the Core Competencies for Human Trafficking Response in Health Care and Behavioral Health Systems released by the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center, Office on Trafficking in Persons, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, (NHTTAC) on February 2021.

The goal of the core competencies is to clarify the skill sets needed for Health Care Professionals to identify, respond to, and serve individuals who have experienced trafficking and individuals who are at risk of trafficking with trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and patient-centered principles. These core competencies are designed to help health care professionals and organizations in the identification, response, and provision of services to potential and identified individuals who have experienced trafficking and at-risk populations through diverse partnerships, delivery of specialized training and resources, and rigorous training evaluation.

Register in advance at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtduyrrz8jGdL23k9voziBThDGANbbgd4e

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

FACT SHEET: Companies, Non-Profits, Government Agencies Answer Biden-⁠Harris Call: Make Combined Commitment to Alert Tens of Millions of Americans to Emergency Rental Assistance

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Please share information regarding access to emergency rental assistance. Individuals can now search for rental assistance programs in their area through a new website developed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The American Rescue Plan funds federal rental assistance to renters and landlords across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Tribal areas.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/28/fact-sheet-companies-non-profits-government-agencies-answer-biden-harris-call-make-combined-commitment-to-alert-tens-of-millions-of-americans-to-emergency-rental-assistance/

Promoting Housing Access for Survivors of Human Trafficking through Emergency Housing Vouchers

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Stable, affordable, and safe housing directly contributes the economic mobility of individuals and families. Access to secure housing can provide opportunities for gainful employment, education development, healthy food options, and health care. It can reduce exposure to community violence and the risk for exploitation, including human trafficking. Housing affordability and stability allows individuals and families to build savings and invest in themselves and their communities through relationships, civic engagement, education, and health.

For more information visit Office on Trafficking in Persons at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/policy-guidance/promoting-housing-access-survivors-human-trafficking-through-emergency-housing

New Orleans: Labor and Sex Trafficking in Hotels

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When: Aug 3, 2021, 4:30 – 7:00PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this Presentation: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpdeysrzIiEtdKj4h_8HJhlNvoXdZEu9On

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Presentation.

Presentation By:

Dr. Roberto Hugh Potter, Professor, UCF College of Sciences, Director of the UCF Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

Dr. Roberto Hugh Potter is a professor and Sociologist at the University of Central Florida, where he has been teaching since 2008. His work is oriented towards assisting government and community-based organizations in solving social problems. Potter’s specialties include evaluation of justice, family welfare, and evaluation methods for management development in the criminal justice system, with research interests in human trafficking. Potter has resided for nearly 40 years in Florida, receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Florida in Sociology/Criminology. His experience as a Health and Behavioral Scientist at the Centers for Disease control allowed him to work in corrections and substance abuse with the Division of Violence Prevention. He is utilizing and mentoring others in the research technologies of social science to move evidence-based practices into the world of justice, public health, and welfare. His pragmatic and quantitative approach to the study of human trafficking is unique and applicable to cross-disciplinary research and investigation in the field

Dr. TingTing Zhang, Associate Professor, UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Dr. TingTing Zhang’s primary research goals are directed toward understanding customer engagement in the hospitality and tourism industries with a special focus on technology usage and adoption (such as virtual reality, social media, mobile apps, and online communities, etc.). Dr. Zhang joined the Rosen College of Hospitality Management as an Assistant Professor in August 2016. In her current position, she teaches face-to-face course of Hospitality Information Systems and mixed mode course of Event Technology.

 Jessica Wickey, Instructor, Director of Internship Program,UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Jessica Wickey is a UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management alumna, graduating with her Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management in 2013. Ms. Wickey has 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, resorts, events, convention centers, non-profit fundraising, and live entertainment.

As Director of the Internship Program, she launched human trafficking education in the Summer of 2020, creating robust curriculum to enhance the student’s internship education. Ms. Wickey has presented on numerous panels including Florida Attorney General Ashely Moody’s Human Trafficking Summit, Florida Department of Health with Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and UCF Police Department. Currently, Ms. Wickey is a member of the Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force; she sits on the Central Florida National Academy Foundation’s Advisory Board for high schools with hospitality and tourism programs and works with the UCF Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and WorldOrlando to combat trafficking

Labor Trafficking 101 - Training by Framework

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On July 28, 2021, from 12 Noon - 1:30 p.m., CST, the GNOHTTF will host in partnership with Framework: Labor Trafficking 101. The training learning objectives and outline are attached.

Registration: https://link.zixcentral.com/u/79148148/Tnd-gU3q6xGxUUsNh3soMg?u=https%3A%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Fmeeting%2Fregister%2FtZEtce6opj8oHtNCoIcALXpvza5no37D4_cj

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The presenter is Dr. Regina Bernadin, the Technical Advisor for Anti-trafficking Programs at the International Rescue Committee (IRC). She has held various roles at the IRC, including serving as the Deputy Director of the Miami office where she supervised the anti-trafficking programming in both Miami and Tallahassee, FL as well two projects to assist unaccompanied migrant children in South Florida. Previously, she served as the Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator with the Florida Department of Children and Families. She is a consultant for the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime, Training and Technical Assistance Center and the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center on human rights issues. Regina also conducts presentations and trainings nationally, in English and Spanish, on victim identification, service provision and collaboration. She has also overseen targeted outreach campaigns aimed at increasing the number of trafficking survivors identified in the community. Internationally, she has trained on the topic of conflict analysis and resolution and the implementation of anti-trafficking initiatives. Her interest in the development of human rights abroad has taken her to several countries, including Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, Suriname and Tanzania. She holds a B.A. in International Studies and Criminology from the University of Miami and an M.A in International Administration and Certificate in Non-profit Management from that same institution. Regina, a published author, blogger, and active member of various advisory boards and committees, received her Ph.D in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University. She is the recipient of the Sarlo Distinguished Humanitarian Award and the Janita Lee Award for Victim Advocate Professional of the Year