Human trafficking is a problem in Ottawa County
Board of commissioners votes to provide space for Crisis Aid International
The Ottawa County board of commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 to approve the request from the sheriff’s office to allow Crisis Aid International to occupy office space at the Fillmore Complex.
The Children’s Anti-Exploitation Partnership (CAP) division of Crisis Aid International “is a revolutionary new collaborative initiative that focuses on reaching children at risk for sex trafficking or other forms of child sexual abuse. CAP provides advocacy, resources, and support to children and families identified in internet/electronics-related crimes against children and human trafficking investigations. CAP provides tools such as assistance accessing Internet Safety Education (ISE) programs to help parents of children engaged in high-risk sexual activities online, activities that leave them vulnerable to trafficking or other forms of sexual abuse.”
Children’s Anti-Exploitation Partnership serves young people up to age 25, as well as entire families. They provide positive parenting resources, internet safety support for families, family counseling, and family support groups. When a child is at risk for exploitation, so is the family.
CAP focuses on mentorship and educating kids in six primary areas.
Online safety
Healthy relationships and boundaries
Critical thinking
Self-confidence
Self-esteem
Understand how past trauma is influencing current behaviors
In late 2022, Crisis Aid International reached out to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department offering their services and requesting office space for one advocate. CAP offers a unique service and fills a current gap in the system. Many organizations raise awareness regarding the dangers of human trafficking, but few offer follow up services. CAP does not replace the existing Children’s Advocacy Center, which focuses more on cases of abuse. The two organizations serve different purposes but can complement each other.
Although it is not well-known, human trafficking exists in West Michigan and in Ottawa County. Children and young teens are the primary target, but even infants can be victims. Trafficking typically starts long before victims understand what is happening and long before it is revealed to loved ones. Grooming often begins on-line with pornographic images. Much damage to the mental health of children happens during the grooming phase, and potential victims identified during this time period can be educated to protect themselves from future trafficking.
The Children’s Anti-Exploitation Partnership was created three years ago in Missouri with the help of many people, including a police officer from Saint Louis who investigated human trafficking for 21 years. They currently serve 1,100 families between five offices located in four counties in Missouri plus one office in Kent County Michigan. They are entirely self-funded, with no cost to Ottawa County aside from office space. Crisis Aid International comes in and trains the entire police staff and school resource officers. In addition, they outfit the office with computers and supplies.
CAP services are accessible to anyone, but they commonly receive referrals from hospitals, mental health providers, police departments, schools and anyone working with vulnerable youth. They work with the FBI, state police, homeland security and other organizations that deal with trafficking victims. Currently, there is one advocate in Kent County and a second advocate coming soon to Ottawa County. In addition, Kent County is considering a second advocate. Once there are three advocates the goal is to provide 24-hour services in West Michigan. Another future goal is to have many offices so rural victims can easily access services.
CAP is also expanding into Florida, and in Kent County there are plans to construct a safe home for which will accommodate 20 people; 10 children and 10 adults. This too will be accessible to victims from other locations as it is understood that sometimes people need to leave home to get away from danger.
Anyone that has been through a crisis knows that they rarely effect just an individual, but rather everyone close to that individual. Human trafficking is a disgusting crime and Crisis Aid International is actively working to reach children and families before they become victims.