Victim Service Provider Intake & Needs Assessment

During the initial intake and assessment, case managers should expect to:

  • Discuss the services program, including the survivor's rights and responsibilities under the program and, specifically, the right to not engage in services and/or with law enforcement.
  • Work together to create a safety plan. Note, it is not uncommon for victims to express the desire to return to their trafficker, or to do so. Discussing a safety plan is even more important in this situation.
  • Review common responses to trauma to normalize reactions, such as sleeping too much or too little, forgetfulness, and hyper-vigilance, and review possible interventions if these responses occur.

Safety Planning

The safety and well-being of the victim is the primary concern of the victim service provider. Service providers convey pertinent information to victims so that they can make informed choices about services they wish to obtain, working with law enforcement, legal and immigration remedies, peer support resources, and much more. While respecting the victim's right to make choices about their life, working together, task force members can help ensure that victims make informed decisions. Remember: safety should be defined by the victim, with support from the service provider and task force members as applicable.

Conducting a Needs Assessment

A thorough assessment of needs takes place throughout service provision, allowing the victim to identify and prioritize their needs. Emergency needs should be addressed first, as well as safety planning until the next meeting with the service provider. Remember that needs assessment is not a static step, but rather an ongoing process of engagement. As one set of needs are met, another may be identified.

Needs of victims of human trafficking may include:

  • Case management and/or victim advocacy
  • Childcare, transportation and/or public assistance benefits
  • Food, clothing, and hygiene items
  • Crime victims' rights and benefits
  • Cultural and/or religious/spiritual community support
  • Dental, medical, substance abuse, and/or mental health care (emergency and long-term)
  • Disability assistance
  • Education/GED classes or financial literacy
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
  • Family contact/reunification
  • Identification documents
  • Job preparation and placement
  • Legal representation (immigration, criminal, civil)
  • Repatriation assistance
  • Housing (emergency, transitional, permanent)
  • Sexual assault or domestic violence services
  • Translation and interpretation

For additional information and tools, visit the Resource page for Section 4.2 Victim Service Provider Intake and Needs Assessment.