How Do I Complete a Certified Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Organization (HTVAO) Application?

The Anti-Human Trafficking Protective Act addresses emergency care and supervision of a child without court order and states that a law enforcement officer or agency or The Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) are to refer any child suspected of being a victim of sexual exploitation or trafficking to an available victim assistance organization, as certified by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC).   

Any victim assistance organization that accepts referrals from a law enforcement officer or agency or DFCS. pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-130.1 must be certified by CJCC as a certified human trafficking victim assistance organization. Certification is given to agencies who can effectively serve youth victims of human trafficking, catering to their specialized needs through residential care, case management, legal services, and mental health treatment. 

To become a Certified Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Program (HTVAO), an organization MUST show it provides trauma-informed, comprehensive and culturally competent services to Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) victims, including residential, educational, life skills, therapeutic and legal services (see list of example documents below).

► Adoption of a Trauma Informed Culture: values, principles and development of a trauma-informed system of care ensuring safety and preventing re-traumatization.

► Engagement in organizational self-assessment of trauma-informed care.

► Screening for trauma exposure and related symptoms for each client.

► Trauma-specific services based upon evidence-based practices or evidence-informed practices.

► Joining community organizations, agencies, faith-based organizations, community collaboratives and coalitions to support the development of a trauma-informed community that promotes healthy environments for children, adults and their families

Required Application Documentation and Credentials

To become HTVAO certified, organizations MUST upload the following documentation to CJCC:

► Policies and procedures;

► Strategic plan;

► Intake forms/process and screening tools, e.g., A.C.E.S.

► MOU's or proof of membership in a human trafficking task force.

To become HTVAO certified, organizations must submit evidence that AT LEAST ONE staff member (employed in direct victim services) has AT LEAST ONE of the necessary credentials. Please note trainings must be completed within an 8-month range from the date of your HTVAO application. Any trainings completed outside the 8-month range will not be accepted. 

Valid credentials include:

► A license; in social work or mental health services;

► Graduation from the Georgia Victim's Assistance Academy;

► Graduation from the National Victim's Assistance Academy;

► Completion of the Office for Victims of Crime Victim's Assistance Training (VAT) online;

► Completion of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) Frontline Training; and/or

► Completion of the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA) Advocacy Training.