Evaluation Shows Safe Harbor Program is Succeeding in Supporting At-Risk Youth

Editor's Note: I'm passing along this News Release from the Minnesota Department of Health in case anyone reading it knows a young person who could benefit from the Safe Harbor program.

An evaluation of the state’s Safe Harbor Program has found most at-risk and sexually exploited youth in the program reported feeling more hopeful and better prepared for the future.

Wilder Research completed its third evaluation of Minnesota’s Safe Harbor program, a multi-agency statewide initiative designed to meet the needs of sex-trafficked and exploited young people through age 24 using a public health, public safety, human services and human rights approach. Program funds allow agencies and grantees to provide supportive services, housing and shelter, and to deliver training, coordinate across disciplines, and conduct outreach.

Between April 2017 and March 2019, Safe Harbor grantees served 1,279 youth and young adults, including 977 new clients. The last evaluation published in November 2017 found that from April 2015 to June 2017, Safe Harbor grantees provided services to 1,423 people.

“It’s encouraging to see the positive impact of Minnesota’s Safe Harbor approach as we all work to address the serious problem of sexual exploitation,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said. “Our public health model is focused on giving young people the tools they need – housing, education and support from trusted adults – to rebuild their lives after sex trafficking. We need to build on this success and make sure we reach all exploited youth where they are at in their schools and communities.”

The average age of participants served under Safe Harbor was 17. A slightly higher percentage of youth served were in greater Minnesota (54%) compared to the metro area (46%). Most participants were female (91%), while 6% identified as male and 3% as transgender, gender non-conforming and other. More than half (59%) of participants were people of color.

Safe Harbor is a statewide initiative to meet the needs of sexually trafficked and exploited youth. The evaluation showed 97% of youth interviewees noted a positive change after accessing Safe Harbor services, and 88% noted a positive change in their situation.

Almost all (94%) respondents felt more hopeful after receiving services, and 100% felt more prepared to reach educational goals. In addition, 94% said they would seek help from police if they felt unsafe, while 89% felt more prepared to support themselves financially in a safe way.

The evaluation also found that Safe Harbor could be even more effective by decreasing service and training gaps and addressing systemic challenges. Additional needs include housing, mental health, long-term services, rural services, culturally specific services and services for victims/survivors over age 24.

“No young person should have to face the trauma of sexual exploitation,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “It’s up to us to make sure the right supports are in place to help them as they recover so they can go on to lead full, healthy lives. This evaluation shows that the right interventions make all of the difference.”

If you or someone you know is sexually exploited or taken advantage of, help is available. Visit Safe Harbor Minnesota. You may also call the Day One Hotline at 1-866-223-1111.

The full report is available the Wilder Research Safe Harbor page.