Use this activity to build comfort and confidence in using skills of identification and in identifying barriers to exit for a child labor trafficking case. Identify common patterns of trafficking as you hear about Sofia’s experience moving to the U.S. to live with her Aunt.
Further Considerations:
- How would you ensure Sofia’s comfort and safety before starting an assessment or conversation?
- What additional information would you need or want from Sofia?
- What kind of support services may need to be in place before you speak with her?
What barriers to exit were present in this story?
- Young age, less opportunity to access different jobs
- Minimal work experience or exposure to worker rights
- No additional family support
- Potentially unfamiliar with local laws, customs, and norms of family and work dynamics
- Isolated from others besides her aunt
- Potentially has a language barrier
- Emotional coercion by aunt
- Lack of control of her finances
- Documentation status could be an issue
- Fear of losing housing
Remember:
- Household chores cannot legally impact school attendance, health, or wellbeing
- Labor trafficking does not only occur in typical workplace environments
- Even if a family member is trafficking someone it does not mean there is zero love in the relationship. Actions are often driven by intergenerational trauma and norms, financial need, and lack of understanding of laws and expectations.
Topic(s): Case Management, Minors
Resource Type: Educational Video
Date: July 29, 2024
Language(s): English
Author(s): Framework
