Supports for Families Experiencing Sex Trafficking
Our Family and Community Outreach Worker (FCOW) works with parents and families whose child is, or is at risk of, being groomed, sexually exploited, or trafficked. Case management puts family members at the centre of services and doesn’t need to involve the youth.
We will work with you to address your needs as a guardian or family member to support or understand what is going on with your child or children.
If you are looking for supports for your child or young adult please visit our Nova Scotia Transition & Advocacy for Youth program.
Supports for Families Include:
- Education on sexual exploitation and ways to support their child
- Family-based safety planning
- Justice system navigation and advocacy
- Child protection navigation and advocacy
- Emotional support and problem-solving strategies
- Group-based support programs
- Parenting strategies
Victims Who Are Parents
The FCOW also works with youth victims of trafficking who have children themselves, where the focus is on their roles as parents. This can include:
- Family-based safety planning
- Child protection navigation and advocacy
- Emotional support and problem-solving strategies
- One-on-one and group parenting programming
How to Connect With the Family and Community Outreach Worker
Families can self-refer or a service provider can complete a referral. Please download the PDF below that fits your situation. Email the completed form to NSTAY@ywcahalifax.com.
*The Family and Community Outreach Worker works within the Nova Scotia Transition & Advocacy for Youth program (NSTAY) but families can choose to only work with the outreach worker.
Understanding how young people become trafficked in the adult sex trade and warning signs of grooming is important for noticing potential intervention points.
Images are from the YWCA Halifax White Paper “Pathways to Entry” available on our research page as part of the Safer Spaces White Papers series.