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Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking
posted on 8/15/2011

Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is designated as the agency responsible for helping victims of human trafficking become eligible to receive benefits and services so they may rebuild their lives safely in the U.S. As part of this effort, HHS has initiated the Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking campaign to help identify and assist victims of human trafficking in the United States.

The intent of the Rescue & Restore campaign is to increase the number of identified trafficking victims and to help those victims receive the benefits and services needed to live safely in the U.S. The first phase of the campaign focuses on outreach to those individuals who most likely encounter victims on a daily basis, but may not recognize them as victims of human trafficking. By initially educating health care providers, social service organizations and the law enforcement community about the issue of human trafficking, we hope to encourage these intermediaries to look beneath the surface by recognizing clues and asking the right questions because they may be the only outsiders with the chance to reach out and help victims.

A critical component of the Rescue & Restore campaign is the creation of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, 1.888.3737.888, which connects victims of trafficking to Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) who can help victims in their local area. The resource center helps intermediaries determine whether they have encountered a victim of human trafficking, helps connect victims to resources and coordinates with local social service organizations to protect and serve victims of trafficking.

The Rescue & Restore Campaign website was also launched to provide information about the issue of human trafficking, information about the campaign, information and resources for health care providers, social service providers and law enforcement officers as well as information about how to get involved in the campaign. The following informational materials can be accessed from the website.

Fact sheets

Training and resource tools for law enforcement, health care and social service providers

Educational brochures and posters

Pocket assessment cards for health care providers and law enforcement officers

National Human Trafficking Resource Center Rolodex Card

Become a Rescue & Restore Partner

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Rescue & Restore partner. As a partner in the campaign to Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking we ask your organization to do the following:

Authorize the listing of your organization as a Rescue & Restore partner and the sharing of your information with Rescue & Restore coalitions.

Receive and disseminate to your staff, members and supporters information about human trafficking and the resources available to help victims;

Utilize your existing web-based and email information distribution networks to inform your friends and supporters about this pressing problem and steps every person can take to detect and deter human trafficking; and

Cooperate with other local members of the Rescue & Restore campaign to publicize key actions in the fight against human trafficking.

To become a Rescue & Restore partner, please complete the Request to Become a Partner in the Campaign to Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking form and email it to trafficking@acf.hhs.gov or fax it to 202-401-5487. As a partner of Rescue & Restore, we will email you periodically regarding information and updates on human trafficking issues, as well as training and funding opportunities.