Children/youth who are survivors of human trafficking often do not perceive the inherent risks or see themselves as victims. The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) will ensure the screening of children/youth who are at high-risk of trafficking and provision of trauma-informed services. Because of the potential dangers to the child/youth, if the child/youth’s SSW has reason to believe the child/youth is a victim of human trafficking, the SSW is to consider the event as requiring intensive intervention. Rapid screening of children/youth at high-risk of trafficking will guide both investigation and service planning for the child/youth. A child/youth who has a positive rapid screener for human trafficking is appropriate for services regardless of investigative outcome.
The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) designates a specialized residential treatment setting which provides high-quality residential care. This residential setting provides supportive services to children/youth who have been found to be, or are at risk of becoming, victims of sex trafficking. Kentucky has defined those children/youth who are at risk of sex trafficking as having at least one of the following indicators:
- A history of child/youth missing from care;
- Previous/current allegations of human trafficking; or
- Previous or current Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) committment.
Specialized residential treatment programs must meet guidelines and requirements to be designated as specialized in service provision to children/youth who have been or are at risk of being trafficked.