What We Do
Our History
PACT began in 2014 as one of nine federal grants awarded by the Children’s Bureau. The original ten-county collaborative platform piloted a peer network of county Child Welfare agencies with a shared goal to improve outcomes for youth at risk of or experiencing human trafficking. The project launched alongside the enactment of SB 855 which clarified that children and youth experiencing commercial sexual exploitation or those forced to trade sex to meet their basic needs should be served through the Child Welfare system as victims of child abuse and neglect. This landmark legislation funded a CSEC Opt in Program and participating counties developed interagency protocols for case management, planning, and delivery of services utilizing a multidisciplinary teaming (MDT) approach. In 2020, PACT expanded to include over 40 participating counties and established four regional peer cohorts for peer learning.
Our Mission
PACT’s mission is to engage county Child Welfare agencies and their multidisciplinary partners as they implement a statewide, integrated, and adaptable model of cross-coordination. The PACT team provides customized technical assistance and training while supporting peer connections through regional cohorts. Our work serves to strengthen the capacity of county agencies receiving SB 855 CSEC Program allocations to effectively collaborate, thereby reducing barriers to service delivery.
The PACT Approach
Our approach is trauma informed, survivor informed, and victim-centered. It is based on a human rights framework which recognizes that human trafficking is a violation of an individual’s basic rights and personal freedom. Our approach is rooted in harm reduction and guided through the lens of lived experience. Survivors of human trafficking have guided PACT’s development since its early beginnings.
Training and Technical Assistance
PACT hosts webinars & training opportunities with thought leaders and experts in the anti-trafficking field to increase public awareness, access to services and share promising practices. Attendees include Child Welfare, Probation, Law Enforcement, school personnel, youth serving providers, parents, caregivers, and the community at large.
The PACT team includes staff and a consultant network who are culturally diverse and bring unique backgrounds and expertise, including those with lived experience. We provide customized technical assistance rooted in harm reduction and guided through the lens of lived experience.
Subscribe to receive upcoming training registration alerts HERE. Request Training or Technical Assistance HERE.
PACT Regional Cohorts
PACT regional cohorts are an opportunity for Child Welfare agencies to collectively discover and evaluate best practices to strengthen their localized anti-trafficking programs. Members gain a valuable network of support, increase cross-county collaboration, engage in peer learning and share in the challenges and successes of their work. Members may participate in virtual or in person meetings, contribute to working groups to advise on state or regional policy, attend training and webinars, and resource their local communities.
To learn more about PACT Cohorts or be connected to your local PACT representative Contact Us.
