(FY17)

University of Alabama School of Social Work

Bringing the Exploitation of Alabama’s Minors to a Stop (BEAMS)

The University of Alabama School of Social Work was awarded a FY17 Improving Outcomes for Human Trafficking of Child and Youth Victims grant. Alabama identified key areas to address during its grant period of performance, including increasing identification of victims, creating a coordinated statewide response protocol, and increasing awareness of services and resources for youth and child victims. Objectives were as follows: (1) develop an online screening tool that could be completed by third parties or potential victims; (2) establish best practices for a victim- centered, trauma-informed response protocol, including roles and responsibilities for law enforcement, victims service providers, and advocates; and (3) develop a public-facing resource website, including a searchable list of service providers in the state, printable resource materials, a blog, and an events and trainings calendar. The project team conducted 20 needs assessment focus groups in 13 cities across Alabama to guide these objectives and strategies. Alabama completed its project in December 2020.