Safe Harbor for All

Statewide Sex Trafficking Victim/Survivors Strategic Plan

Over the past decade, Minnesota’s response to sex trafficking and exploitation has focused primarily on youth.

In 2017, the Minnesota State Legislature, in response to stakeholder requests for an enhanced vision of the Safe Harbor system, directed the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), in consultation with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Office of Justice Programs (OJP) in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), to develop a strategic plan that expands the current Safe Harbor system to address the needs of all victim/survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation, regardless of age.

MDH, through a competitive process, contracted with three partner organizations, The Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center at the University of Minnesota, The Advocates for Human Rights, and Rainbow Research, to design and implement a community engagement process involving stakeholders statewide, including persons most impacted by sexual exploitation and trafficking.

In January 2019, MDH submitted a strategic plan (PDF) to the legislature providing immediate and long-term suggestions for expanding Safe Harbor to all ages. This plan is informed by the recommendations and findings developed through the community engagement process and outlined in the report submitted by the partner organizations.