GEMS Training Overview

GEMS TRAINING: As part of our mission to transform the policies and perceptions that impact sexually exploited youth, GEMS provides training and technical assistance to agencies throughout the United States that serve and/or seek to serve victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking. GEMS offers comprehensive training for victim service providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, mental health practitioners, and other allied professionals in order to increase their understanding of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST). Using the highly rated Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Community Intervention Project (CCIP) training curriculum, GEMS examines: • • • • • • • • • •

Introduction to CSEC & DMST Risk factors for sexual exploitation Unpacking “choice” Demand Recruitment strategies used by exploiters Psychological & physical impact of trauma & exploitation Pimp-controlled CSEC & trauma bonding Subculture of CSEC Roles & responsibilities of professionals at intervention points Barriers to intervention with sexually exploited youth

GEMS utilizes specialized training modules to address the unique needs of service providers, medical professionals, law enforcement and legal/judicial professionals. Topics include: • • • • • • • •

Best practices in programming & prevention Counseling techniques for commercially sexually exploited youth Conducting assessment and intake with CSEC victims Criminal behaviors and market forces: supply, demand, motivation Federal & local laws Best practices in investigation & defense Appropriate interviewing for victims and perpetrators Models for court-based interventions

TRAINING STRUCTURE: GEMS’ trainings range from 2-3 hour targeted presentations to multi-day train-the-trainer programs that give training participants the information, tools and resources they need to serve as trainers within their own agencies. GEMS works closely with recipient agencies to identify a training structure and tailor curriculum materials to meet the specific goals of the host agency. In addition, GEMS will develop a training schedule that ensures that information is delivered within a timeframe that works for the host agency.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: In addition to training, GEMS provides technical assistance to agencies seeking issue-specific training. Topics addressed through technical assistance have included: • • • •

Designing CSEC-specific housing programs; Designating shelter beds to CSEC youth; The role of youth development and survivor leadership in programming; and Running groups for CSEC youth.

TESTIMONY: “You provided us with excellent information and provided it well. We are more educated people and more open minded investigators because of the GEMS training.” ~ Detective, Indiana “It was inclusive, informative, and empowering. I can’t think of how it could be improved.” ~ Minister, California “Make it a mandatory training for anyone who works or has a desire to work with youth.” ~ Supervisor, California “I am more sensitive and better equip to engage and support victims.” ~ Case Manager, New York “Powerful class. Exciting and interesting. Wish all of my co-workers could go through it.” ~ Prosecutor, California “When I return home I’m planning to reopen a cold case, which I now realize may have been a CSEC case.” ~ Detective, Michigan ABOUT CCIP CURRICULUM: The CSEC Community Intervention Project (CCIP) began in 2006 with an award from the Office for Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), U.S. Department of Justice (grant# 2006-JL-FX-K018). CCIP is operated through a collaboration of four lead agencies: Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS), The Salvation Army, Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition (BSCC) and Polaris Project. The purpose of CCIP was to build the capacity of five select communities to respond to the problem of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) through the creation and facilitation of local working groups or task forces, the implementation of a multi-day Training Institute in each community, and the development of a CSEC Community Response Plans. The CCIP curriculum was written by Rachel Lloyd, the Executive Director of GEMS, and Amallia Orman.

CONTACT: For additional information regarding GEMS’ training and technical assistance, please contact Allison Attenello, Training & Technical Assistance Director at: Allison@gems-girls.org or by phone at: (212) 926-8089.