Human Trafficking Prevention Programming
Human Trafficking Prevention Programming
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Human Trafficked Therapeutic and Prevention Services:
Trauma mitigation and mental health support are crucial for young people who have experienced trafficking or are at risk of being trafficked. Foster Care Unplugged's Mitigating Trauma through Drama program is specifically designed to provide support through therapeutic expressive arts group work for girls and young women in New York City's child welfare system who are at risk of being trafficked or have already experienced trafficking.
Through this program, young people are able to express themselves through various artistic mediums, such as drama and storytelling, while also receiving mental health support and guidance from trained professionals. By providing a safe and creative space for youth to process their experiences, this program aims to develop positive pathways for their lives and promote healing from past traumas.
Mitigating Trauma through Drama is a performance-based approach, using therapeutic creative arts such as psychodrama. Psychodrama provides an active, experiential approach that facilitates the ability to unpack and explore personal life stories, solve problems, set goals, express feelings appropriately, improve interpersonal skills and relationships, and strengthen the ability to perform personal life roles and in many cases, achieve catharsis.
It's important to recognize the prevalence of human trafficking within the child welfare system and to take action to prevent it. Mitigating Trauma through Drama provides a unique and effective approach to support young girls and women who are at risk of being trafficked or have experienced trafficking. Through therapeutic expressive arts and psycho-education, this program empowers participants to explore and process their personal experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
The success of this program is evident in the number of cohorts completed and the number of young people served. It's a testament to the dedication and expertise of the individuals involved, including Melody Centeno, LMSW and Selina Higgans, LCSW.
A Masterpiece of Shared Experiences
The model created is a trauma-informed, inaugural collaborative partnership between Foster Care Unplugged and ACS’ Office of Child Trafficking Prevention and Policy. The program model and curriculum was created by Melody Centeno, LMSW and Selina Higgans, LCSW. 66 girls served in 6 cohorts (2021-2023). Funded by NYC Trust, New Yorkers For Children, and ACS. Renewed for 2025 to serve 40 more girls.
If you or someone you know may be under any human trafficking circumstance, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline Today!
1-888-373-7888
If you suspect a human trafficking case, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Hotline: 1-800-THE-LOST (1800.843.5678).
