A sex trafficking recovery program’s success depends on the staff, volunteers, and the organization’s board of directors and what they each put into the organization.

Recovery programs must have survivor leaders directly working with survivors and making decisions. Survivor leaders and qualified staff should be trained in survivor-centered approaches that prioritize the survivor’s autonomy, empower their choices, and amplify their voice throughout the recovery journey. This is especially important in preventing re-exploitation and re-traumatization.

Inexperienced and self-serving board members, directors, and advocates may adopt a savior complex or unintentionally make decisions for survivors, undermining their sense of independence and control. A tremendous amount of emotional damage can be done by inexperience and lack of putting survivors first.

Experienced board members, directors, and advocates, on the other hand, guide survivors toward making their own informed decisions, which is a crucial part of healing. These leaders, also foster healthy case management that encourages future success and assistance for the survivor without ulterior motives.

Employing a Case Manager and a Program Director is indeed a crucial ethical measure in ensuring effective support and advocacy for survivors. The Case Manager and Program Director create a framework that not only prioritizes the needs of a single survivor but also protects their rights and promotes a holistic approach to care. This collaborative strategy fosters an ethical environment that values boundaries, professionalism, and individualized support.

By vetting qualified and experienced board members, directors, and advocates, Innocence Freed ensures that survivors receive the highest quality of care, tailored to their specific needs. This not only promotes healing but also significantly reduces the risk of recidivism and further exploitation.

In the long run, investing in experienced professionals helps create a more effective and sustainable organization that truly empowers survivors to reclaim their lives.

Written by: Julie Shrader, Founder & CEO, Innocence Freed