THE STRATEGY

Through our work with Project Europe we have become very aware of the issue of human trafficking, and have established key relationships with local churches that have a heart for making a difference throughout the continent.

Our initial response to the injustice of human trafficking is focused in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece - with the long-term intent of venturing into other areas of Europe where there is a need. We are determined to start making significant difference in a country where one sale in the sex-trade industry happens every 47 seconds.

In preparation for this project, we have conducted extensive research on human trafficking by visiting the onsite locations of shelters, rehabilitation centers, legal advocacy offices, issue awareness agencies, as well as high-density brothel areas. We have also met with key members of different anti-trafficking organizations located in Cambodia, Greece, Holland, The UK, and The U.S. to discuss best practices and the most effective models for rescuing and restoring victims. Through our research, we have developed a model that will not only rescue and restore victims - but also fight this battle from a legal perspective and pull this injustice out by its roots.

The Overall Long-term Strategy:

We are creating a model for rescuing and rebuilding the lives of victims that is effective, sustainable, and can be reproduced in other regions.

Implementation:

To implement this strategy we have created a 3-phase model. Phase 1 will consist of the establishment of a Project Center. Phase 2 will follow shortly after significant legal preparations have been made and will consist of the establishment of an assessment center and a small-scale restoration facility that could house up to six girls. Phase 3 will consist of the establishment of a permanent large-scale home which will be able to house a larger number of rescued victims.

Phase 1:

Establish A21 Project Center

Local networks in many western European destination countries are well supplied by international trafficking organizations. The process of recruitment and transportation is prepared and well financed. Many even have forged identity papers for their victims making it sometimes difficult to identify trafficked victims.

Phase 1 requires the expertise and oversight of trained professionals to develop an effective rescue plan that seeks out the cooperation of law enforcement agencies and local NGO's. The purpose of the A21 Project Center will be to coordinate and administrate all aspects of the provided legal representation, government lobbying, volunteer recruitment and training, educational programs, and street outreach teams.

A team of two attorneys will monitor all processes required for rescue operations such as law enforcement cooperation and facility raids. These advocates will also oversee the possible prosecution process and reception of state-funded medical care afforded to victims.

A team of two social workers will coordinate and oversee all medical and psychological care necessary. They will also monitor each victim's progress.

A professional counselor will provide victims with weekly counseling services to aid in the restoration process as well as assist in evaluating the victim for the re-integration process.

An education, training, and recruitment officer will be responsible for the creation and dissemination of all educational and training material used for raising awareness as well as staff and volunteer training.

Phase 2:

Once the appropriate preliminary preparations have been made, Phase 2 can then be initiated.

Establish A21 Assessment Process/Crisis Care

For security reasons, a location separate from the Project Center is needed to begin a victim's transition out of forced prostitution. During the start-up stages, a temporary location such as a rented hotel room will suffice where the social worker and/or a contracted psychologist can monitor the progress. Here the rescued victim will meet with justice officials and the police in order to get a certificate as a victim of trafficking. During this phase the victim will also receive initial medical care. Once this process is finished, the victim can then be brought to the A21 Restoration Home. Eventually, a permanent small apartment style location is needed for transitional assessment.

Establish A21 Restoration Home

Sustainable re-entry into society is a significant long-term goal of the program. The victims will receive counseling for the emotional, mental and psychological repercussions of their abuse from both trained counselors and medical professionals. Vocational training will also be introduced to aid the re-entry process and counteract common fears such as the lack of career opportunities and the negative social stigmas.

Home Requirements:

• A four bed room house or apartment
• Four residential staff members (8 hours shifts/1 relief worker)
• Contracted security services
• Housing, food and all other living expenses

Restoration Processes:

• Process of equipping girls with strong faith and spiritual basis.
• Provide job training and education training that will assist them in re-entering society.
• Regular Medical and Mental assessment by medical professionals.
• Access to counseling services
• Access to legal assistance and representation during criminal proceedings and/or possible compensation redress.
• Potentially return victims to home country.

Phase 3:

Establish a Permanent A21 Restoration Home

Once we have created a sustainable infrastructure for rescuing and restoring victims, a larger home will be purchased away from the centre of the city in order to accommodate and restore a larger number of girls. This new home will implement the same programs used at the Phase 2 apartment.