New York City Council
Committee on Children and Youth
Jan 28, 2025
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 38 min
Summary
A hearing on supporting young victims of human trafficking, examining the city's progress in identifying and supporting trafficking survivors and strengthening protections for at-risk youth.
Discussions focused on:
- Agency efforts to combat youth trafficking
- Challenges in victim identification, providing trauma-informed care
- Addressing trafficking hotspots
- The need for better data collection and interagency coordination
The hearing also covered Intro 831, which would require NYPD to report annually on missing persons cases, including data on trafficking victims.
Features testimony from the Administration for Children's Services (ACS), Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), New York Police Department (NYPD), Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Stevens opens hearing on supporting young victims of human trafficking
Council Member Althea Stevens opens the hearing on supporting young victims of human trafficking, outlining the purpose of the meeting and key issues to be discussed. She highlights the city's …
0:00:29
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4 min
Council Member Farah N. Louis introduces legislation on reporting missing persons cases
Council Member Farah N. Louis, chair of the committee on women and gender equity, provides opening remarks for a hearing on supporting young victims of human trafficking. She introduces her …
0:04:33
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158 sec
Council Member Yusef Salaam's opening remarks on supporting young victims of human trafficking
Council Member Yusef Salaam, chair of the committee on public safety, delivers opening remarks for a hearing on the city's efforts to support young victims of human trafficking. He emphasizes …
0:07:46
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155 sec
Introduction and overview of ACS's role in combating human trafficking
Ina Mendez, Deputy Commissioner of Family Permanency Services at ACS, introduces herself and her colleague Sabine Sherry. She outlines their roles in overseeing the Office of Child Trafficking Prevention and …
0:11:32
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54 sec
Context of human trafficking in New York
New York State has one of the highest sex and labor trafficking rates in the United States due to its many transportation options. Traffickers target vulnerable children and youth, particularly …
0:12:28
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39 sec
Legal framework and ACS's responsibilities in addressing human trafficking
ACS is committed to identifying and helping sex and labor trafficked children and youth. Federal and state laws require ACS to screen all children entering foster care for possible trafficking …
0:13:08
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50 sec
ACS's Office of Child Trafficking Prevention and Policy
The Office of Child Trafficking Prevention and Policy, created in 2015, issued a trafficking policy in 2022. This policy outlines procedures for identifying, documenting, safety planning, and providing services to …
0:13:58
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22 sec
Identification and screening processes for trafficked youth
ACS has implemented various tools and processes to identify and screen for trafficked youth. These include a child trafficking database, a specialized mailbox, and a Missing Children's Outreach Unit. - …
0:14:21
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123 sec
Services and support for trafficked youth
ACS provides comprehensive services to support the physical, psychological, and emotional safety of trafficked youth. These services are trauma-informed and tailored to the specific needs of trafficking survivors. - Emphasizes …
0:16:24
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35 sec
Collaboration with other organizations to combat trafficking
ACS collaborates with various organizations and implements programs to enhance support for trafficked youth. These efforts include partnerships with service providers and innovative initiatives like the credible messenger program. - …
0:17:00
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70 sec
Training and awareness programs on human trafficking
ACS has implemented extensive training programs to ensure staff and partners can effectively identify and serve trafficked youth. These efforts have reached thousands of individuals across various roles and agencies. …
0:18:11
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50 sec
Conclusion and acknowledgments
Ina Mendez concludes her testimony by expressing gratitude to ACS's partners and stakeholders for their efforts in preventing youth trafficking and supporting exploited individuals. - Thanks sister agencies, provider partners, …
0:19:03
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16 sec
DYCD Assistant Commissioner outlines support for young victims of human trafficking
Dr. Amy Wilkerson, Assistant Commissioner for Runaway and Homeless Youth Services at DYCD, provides an overview of the department's efforts to support young victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. …
0:19:35
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4 min
NYPD Special Victims Unit representatives introduce themselves to the council
Deputy Chief Carlos Ortiz of the NYPD Special Victims Unit introduces himself and his colleagues to the City Council committee. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss NYPD's efforts …
0:24:32
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35 sec
Overview of human trafficking statistics worldwide and in the US
Deputy Chief Ortiz presents alarming statistics on the scale of human trafficking globally and in the United States, highlighting the severity of the issue. - Estimates suggest between 100,000 to …
0:25:08
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15 sec
NYPD Human Trafficking Task Force: Mission, operations, and challenges
Deputy Chief Ortiz outlines the mission, responsibilities, and operations of the NYPD Human Trafficking Task Force, emphasizing their trauma-informed and victim-centered approach. - The task force investigates both sex and …
0:25:24
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76 sec
Operation We Will Find You 2: A multi-agency effort to locate missing children
Deputy Chief Ortiz details 'Operation We Will Find You 2', a nationwide operation led by US Marshals with participation from NYPD's human trafficking and missing person squads. - The operation …
0:26:40
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50 sec
NYPD's collaboration with advocate partners to support trafficking survivors
Deputy Chief Ortiz explains how the NYPD works closely with various advocate partners and organizations to provide comprehensive support to trafficking survivors. - NYPD collaborates with international, national, and community-based …
0:27:32
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84 sec
NYPD's outreach efforts and awareness campaigns to combat human trafficking
Deputy Chief Ortiz details the NYPD's broader outreach efforts and awareness campaigns aimed at combating human trafficking and supporting victims. - NYPD is collaborating with the MTA and the Mayor's …
0:28:57
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51 sec
NYPD's stance on Intro 831: Proposed legislation on missing persons reporting
Deputy Chief Ortiz addresses Intro 831, a proposed bill that would require the NYPD to publish information on missing persons on their website. - Intro 831 aims to increase transparency …
0:29:49
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19 sec
NYPD's commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors
Deputy Chief Ortiz concludes his testimony by reaffirming the NYPD's commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors. - Ortiz emphasizes the devastating impact of trafficking on young victims - …
0:30:10
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22 sec
Introduction and background on the youth trafficking hearing
Council Member Althea Stevens opens the hearing on youth trafficking and sexual exploitation, explaining its importance and origin. She emphasizes the need to address this issue that often remains hidden. …
0:30:39
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122 sec
Agency responses to potential increases in vulnerable youth due to immigration policies
Council Member Stevens inquires about agency preparations for potential increases in vulnerable youth due to recent immigration policies. ACS and NYPD representatives discuss their strategies and adaptations. - ACS outlines …
0:32:45
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3 min
ACS child trafficking email box and reporting system
Council Member Stevens inquires about the confidentiality and responsiveness of the ACS child trafficking email box. ACS representatives explain the system's purpose and usage statistics. - The email box was …
0:36:40
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126 sec
Training initiatives for staff and provider organizations to identify sex trafficking
Council Member Stevens inquires about training provided to staff and organizations to help them identify signs of sex trafficking. ACS and DYCD representatives outline their training programs and approaches. - …
0:38:46
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3 min
ACS trauma-informed care and evaluation processes for trafficked youth
Council Member Stevens asks about how the city ensures trauma-informed care is provided to commercially and sexually exploited youth, and how ACS evaluates the effectiveness of its initiatives. ACS representatives …
0:42:15
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173 sec
Impact of NYCD Child Tattoo Eradication Project and Credible Messengers program
Council Member Stevens inquires about the impact of the NYCD Child Tattoo Eradication Project and the selection, training, and support for the Credible Messengers program. ACS representatives provide information on …
0:45:09
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3 min
Factors contributing to increased identification and services for sexually exploited youth
Council Member Stevens asks about factors contributing to the increased number of identified sexually exploited youth between 2022 and 2023, and inquires about the services provided to these youth. ACS …
0:48:28
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3 min
Tracking long-term outcomes and safety measures for trafficked youth
Council Member Stevens inquires about systems in place to track long-term outcomes for trafficked youth and safety measures for foster care children. ACS representatives discuss their tracking mechanisms and safety …
0:51:37
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3 min
Coordination between ACS and NYPD to address trafficking hotspots
Council Member Stevens raises concerns about known trafficking hotspots, particularly areas around ACS facilities and group homes. Representatives from ACS and NYPD discuss their coordination efforts to address these issues. …
0:55:13
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4 min
Prevention and education efforts for youth to recognize trafficking
Council Member Stevens inquires about efforts to educate and prepare young people to identify trafficking trends, both for themselves and their peers. ACS representatives outline their prevention and education initiatives. …
1:00:12
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88 sec
NYPD human trafficking investigations statistics
Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about the number of human trafficking investigations conducted by the NYPD in the previous year and how it compares to past years. Lieutenant Joseph Picarello …
1:01:45
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71 sec
Identification of young victims in human trafficking cases
Council Member Salaam inquires about the NYPD's efforts to identify young victims of human trafficking during investigations. Lieutenant Picarello provides information on the number of minor trafficking victims recovered and …
1:02:56
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68 sec
Comparison of sex trafficking vs. labor trafficking investigations
Council Member Salaam inquires about the differences between sex trafficking and labor trafficking investigations. Lieutenant Picarello explains that labor trafficking cases are much less common than sex trafficking cases. - …
1:04:15
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43 sec
Process of human trafficking investigations and sources of referrals
Council Member Salaam inquires about the typical process of human trafficking investigations and the units involved. Lieutenant Picarello explains the various sources of referrals and the proactive approach taken by …
1:04:59
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69 sec
Specific offenses charged in trafficking-related crimes
Council Member Salaam inquires about the specific offenses individuals are charged with when suspected of directing human trafficking and any trends in recent arrests. Lieutenant Picarello explains the variety of …
1:06:10
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67 sec
Proactive steps by NYPD to identify human trafficking
Council Member Salaam inquires about the proactive steps taken by the NYPD to identify human trafficking, particularly through online platforms. Lieutenant Picarello outlines the strategies employed by the human trafficking …
1:07:18
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75 sec
NYPD's sex trafficking hotline statistics and staffing
Council Member Salaam inquires about the NYPD's dedicated sex trafficking hotline, including call statistics and staffing. Deputy Chief Carlos Ortiz explains the current setup and operation of the hotline. - …
1:08:40
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134 sec
Training for officers handling trafficking cases
Council Member Salaam inquires about specific training provided to officers working on the sex trafficking hotline. Deputy Chief Ortiz outlines the training programs and processes in place for Special Victims …
1:10:56
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35 sec
Data collection on missing persons and its relation to trafficking
Council Member Salaam inquires about the NYPD's data collection on missing persons and its potential relation to human trafficking. Josh Levin from the NYPD provides information on the data collected …
1:11:33
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135 sec
Recent efforts to strengthen NYPD's response to human trafficking
Council Member Salaam inquires about recent efforts to strengthen the NYPD's response to human trafficking, including staffing and organizational changes. Deputy Chief Ortiz explains the recent restructuring and its benefits. …
1:13:48
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91 sec
NYPD collaboration with ACS and DYCD on trafficking cases
Council Member Farah N. Louis inquires about NYPD's collaboration with ACS and DYCD in addressing trafficking cases. She references a report indicating an increase in the number of youth identified …
1:15:20
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53 sec
Clarification on sex trafficking complaints and hotline calls
Deputy Chief Carlos Ortiz provides clarification on the number of sex trafficking complaints received by NYPD and explains the nature of calls coming into their hotline. He distinguishes between specific …
1:16:13
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60 sec
Process of rescuing children from trafficking situations
Director Kathleen Baer of NYPD's Special Victims Division explains the process of rescuing children from trafficking situations and involving ACS. She outlines the initial steps taken when a child is …
1:17:13
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36 sec
Trafficking cases in New York City public schools
Council Member Farah N. Louis inquires about instances of trafficking involving youth in New York City public schools. Deputy Chief Carlos Ortiz responds to questions about how NYPD handles reports …
1:17:51
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70 sec
NYPD's approach to protecting youth from trafficking during large public events
Council Member Farah N. Louis inquires about NYPD's steps to protect youth from trafficking during large public events like the Super Bowl. Deputy Chief Carlos Ortiz explains the NYPD's approach …
1:19:01
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76 sec
Handling trafficking cases involving immigrant youth
Council Member Farah N. Louis inquires about NYPD's approach to handling trafficking cases involving immigrant youth who may fear deportation or have limited access to resources. Lieutenant Joseph Picarello from …
1:20:19
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78 sec
ENDGBV's data collection and sharing practices related to human trafficking
Council Member Farah N. Louis inquires about ENDGBV's data collection and sharing practices related to human trafficking. Commissioner Saloni Sethi explains the current state of data collection and future plans …
1:21:37
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113 sec
ENDGBV's outreach efforts focused on trafficking
Council Member Farah N. Louis asks about ENDGBV's current outreach efforts focused on trafficking. Commissioner Saloni Sethi provides a comprehensive overview of their outreach strategies and public awareness campaigns. - …
1:23:31
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96 sec
Distinguishing between consensual sex work and trafficking in ENDGBV's work
Council Member Farah N. Louis asks how ENDGBV ensures its work includes a distinction between consensual sex work and trafficking. Commissioner Saloni Sethi explains their approach to supporting survivors regardless …
1:25:07
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130 sec
Awareness efforts for human trafficking among foster youth
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about efforts to improve awareness of human trafficking among foster youth. Sabine Chery from ACS outlines their initiatives, including: - Engagement through the ACS youth …
1:27:22
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45 sec
Training programs for foster care providers
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the training provided to caregivers in foster homes. ACS representatives outline their training initiatives: - Caregivers can join conferences to learn about red flags …
1:28:07
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99 sec
Clarification on foster parent training requirements
Council Member Rita Joseph seeks clarification on foster parent training requirements, particularly for married couples. Key points include: - Uncertainty about whether both parents in a married couple must attend …
1:29:46
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34 sec
Monitoring and background checks in foster homes
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about monitoring and background checks in foster homes. ACS representatives explain their procedures: - Regular case contact and home visits, including unannounced visits - Conversations …
1:30:21
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38 sec
Addressing the criminalization of trafficking victims
Council Member Rita Joseph raises concerns about trafficking victims feeling criminalized and asks about the treatment of young people during interviews. ACS representatives explain their approach: - Trauma-informed training for …
1:31:00
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86 sec
NYPD training for officers dealing with trafficking victims
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about NYPD training for officers dealing with trafficking victims. NYPD representatives outline their training approach: - Trauma-informed training for all officers, especially those in special …
1:32:27
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150 sec
Detailed NYPD training programs for investigators
NYPD representatives provide a comprehensive overview of their training programs for investigators dealing with trafficking victims: - 3-day trauma-informed investigations and interviewing training twice a year - 5-day child forensic …
1:34:57
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3 min
Engagement with faith-based communities and CBOs in anti-trafficking efforts
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about engagement with faith-based communities and community-based organizations (CBOs) in anti-trafficking efforts. Agency representatives outline their collaborations: - ACS trainings are open to the public …
1:38:35
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76 sec
Monitoring potential trafficking hotspots during major events
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about monitoring potential trafficking hotspots during major events like the Super Bowl. NYPD representatives explain their approach: - The entire department focuses on potential trafficking …
1:39:51
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80 sec
DYCD's screening procedures for identifying trafficked youth
Council Member Althea Stevens questions DYCD about their screening procedures for identifying trafficked youth in their programs. Dr. Amy Wilkerson explains that while DYCD doesn't require a specific screening tool, …
1:41:13
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4 min
Factors contributing to the increase in identified sexually exploited youth
Council Member Stevens inquires about the factors contributing to the increase in identified sexually exploited youth between 2022 and 2023. Dr. Wilkerson explains that while there are slight variations year …
1:45:13
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45 sec
Measures to protect homeless youth from trafficking
Council Member Stevens asks about measures DYCD takes to protect homeless youth from falling victim to trafficking, especially during transitions out of shelter. Dr. Wilkerson explains their approach focuses on …
1:45:59
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58 sec
Support for youth aged 18-24 not covered by the Safe Harbor Act
Council Member Stevens inquires about DYCD's response to identifying trafficked youth between the ages of 18 and 24, who are not protected by the Safe Harbor Act. Dr. Wilkerson explains …
1:46:59
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59 sec
Specific programs to support LGBTQ youth vulnerable to trafficking
Council Member Stevens asks about specific programs to support LGBTQ youth vulnerable to trafficking. Dr. Wilkerson explains that all DYCD providers are expected to work effectively with LGBTQ youth, with …
1:48:01
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3 min
Collaboration between DYCD and other agencies for trafficked youth care
Council Member Stevens inquires about DYCD's collaboration with other agencies to deliver a continuum of care for trafficked youth. Dr. Wilkerson explains that DYCD collaborates with various city organizations to …
1:51:46
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72 sec
Use of credible messengers and survivors in outreach and support programs
Council Member Stevens asks about the use of credible messengers and survivors in DYCD's outreach and support programs. Dr. Wilkerson explains that GEMS, one of their contracted providers, uses this …
1:52:59
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157 sec
Potential impact of increased reporting on missing persons cases
Council Member Stevens, on behalf of other council members, asks about the potential impact of annual reporting on missing persons cases, particularly regarding transparency and public trust in NYPD's handling …
1:55:36
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171 sec
NYPD data collection on missing children
Council Member Stevens, on behalf of Council Member Sabina Brooks Powers, inquires about NYPD's data collection on missing children, including breakdowns by age, race, and contributing factors. - NYPD confirms …
1:58:27
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86 sec
Council Member Salaam questions NYPD on human trafficking training
Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about the NYPD's training procedures related to human trafficking cases. NYPD representatives, including Kathleen Baer, Carlos Ortiz, and Josh Levin, provide details on their training …
1:59:53
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170 sec
Council Member Althea Stevens expresses concern over sexual violence in juvenile detention centers
Council Member Althea Stevens raises alarm about recent reports of sexual violence in juvenile detention centers, emphasizing the connection between this issue and the broader topic of sex trafficking. She …
2:02:45
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112 sec
Testimony by Sebastien Vante, Associate Vice President of Streetwork Project at Safe Horizon
Sebastien Vante from Safe Horizon's Streetwork Project testified about their efforts to support homeless youth at risk of trafficking and exploitation. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between various programs …
2:06:54
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3 min
Testimony by Brianna Palmer, Intern at Covenant House New York
Brianna Palmer, an intern at Covenant House New York and a trafficking survivor, testified in support of Intro 831, which would require annual reporting on missing persons cases in New …
2:10:34
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4 min
Testimony by Eric Lee, Director of Public Policy at Volunteers of America Greater New York
Eric Lee, representing Volunteers of America Greater New York, testified about the organization's efforts to support survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. He highlighted the need for specialized services …
2:14:59
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3 min
Testimony by Mari Moss, Community Advocate and Mother
Mari Moss, a community advocate and mother from Harlem, expresses strong support for Intro 831, which aims to address systemic failures in protecting children and families, particularly in domestic violence …
2:18:05
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3 min
Council Member Yusef Salaam follows up with advocate testimony
Council Member Yusef Salaam reflects on additional steps to support vulnerable communities through education and awareness. - Salaam emphasizes the importance of classroom education for vulnerable individuals - The council …
2:21:32
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165 sec
Council Member Stevens discusses Safe Horizon's sex-positive approach
Council Member Althea Stevens commends Safe Horizon for creating a sex-positive environment in their youth organizations. She emphasizes the importance of this approach in making it easier for young people …
2:24:17
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42 sec
Council Member Stevens emphasizes the importance of the proposed legislation
Council Member Althea Stevens expresses gratitude to the panel and emphasizes the critical nature of the proposed legislation in addressing issues related to missing persons, particularly women of color. - …
2:25:00
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50 sec
Testimony by Tanesha Grant, Executive Director of Parent Supporting Parents New York
Tanesha Grant, a survivor of human trafficking, shared her personal experience and concerns about current efforts to support trafficked youth. She emphasized the need for involving individuals with lived experience …
2:26:38
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125 sec
Council Member Stevens asks about involving people with lived experience in anti-trafficking efforts
Council Member Althea Stevens thanks Tanesha Grant for her advocacy and asks about her vision for having people with lived experience lead anti-trafficking work. Stevens specifically inquires about alternatives to …
2:28:48
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52 sec
Tanesha Grant emphasizes the importance of involving people with lived experience in anti-trafficking efforts
Tanesha Grant responds to Council Member Stevens' question by emphasizing the importance of involving people with lived experience in anti-trafficking efforts. She highlights the unique perspective and trust that individuals …
2:29:41
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79 sec
Council member asks about preventing human trafficking and addressing perpetrators
Council Member Yusef Salaam acknowledges the importance of victim safety but expresses concern about how to stop human trafficking and hold perpetrators accountable. He asks for specific steps or a …
2:31:02
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97 sec
Advocate highlights systemic issues in child welfare leading to vulnerability to trafficking
Tanesha Grant, responding to Council Member Salaam's question, emphasizes that addressing human trafficking requires tackling systemic problems within the child welfare system. She argues that the lack of nurturing and …
2:32:40
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113 sec
Council Member Louis asks about working with existing agencies
Council Member Farah N. Louis acknowledges Tanesha Grant's lived experience and asks how to work with existing agencies like NYPD and ACS while still pursuing systemic change. She emphasizes the …
2:34:58
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75 sec
Tanesha Grant emphasizes including lived experience in agency work
Tanesha Grant responds to Council Member Louis's question by emphasizing the importance of including people with lived experience in agency work. She argues that many current professionals in the field …
2:36:14
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48 sec
Collaboration between city agencies and community advocates
Council Member Althea Stevens addresses the importance of collaboration between city agencies and community advocates with lived experience. She highlights that ACS is still present and has likely heard the …
2:37:04
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39 sec
Summarizing the hearing's purpose and closing remarks
Council Member Stevens summarizes the purpose of the hearing and its importance in addressing youth trafficking in New York City. She emphasizes the need to bring attention to this often-overlooked …
2:37:42
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59 sec