Forgotten Children Inc
PROGRAMS
Drop In and Resource Center
Drop-in and Resource Centers are a division of FCI. The goal of each center is to provide victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation alternative options while teaching them how to become self-sufficient and independent. Our Drop-in and Resource Centers are a safe place where women who are victims of sexual exploitation can receive resources and information regarding their physical, mental, and emotional needs. They are welcomed into an environment where they can relax, find comfort, and feel safe. We provide case management, a diversion workshop and hygiene products along with clothing, hot meals, and resources for short-term shelter to meet their immediate needs. Anyone with a desire to leave the “life” is provided with the resources necessary to assist with their decision.
Clients are empowered to take back the control of their lives while gaining the tools and resources needed for long term sustainability.
Rachels House of Healing (RHH)
Rachel's House of Healing (RHH) provides residential housing and life skill training for women eighteen years of age and over. We help to women who have been trafficked into prostitution and sexually exploited. Located in San Bernardino, this is the city's only female facility and the only facility with long-term residential housing. All other shelters offer 18 months or less of housing. We have on-site staff 24-hours per day as well as counselors to address chemical dependency, HIV/AIDS, Anger Management, and Family Reunification. Rachel's House has the capacity to house four full time residents that can stay for up to two years if they are clean and sober (random drug and alcohol testing determines this) and have no other place to go. Additionally, each resident must be an active participant of our four-step 180-program that addresses the mind, body, soul, and spirit.
Upon successful completion of our program, residents will be able to reunite with family members, live independent and productive lives as well as readily identify behaviors that have the potential to cause harm to their lives.
Outreach and Education
Street teams are deployed to known prostitution areas such as Harbor Blvd., (Orange County), Figueroua (Los Angeles) and G Street (San Bernardino). Street teams go out twice per month to distribute toiletries and provide support and resources. FCI also provides critical human trafficking awareness trainings and workshops to churches, law enforcement, hospital personnel, parents, educators and day care providers. Our mission is to rescue, restore, educate and bring hope to victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
To provide human services support and resources that will aid at risk youths and victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation to avoid and/or escape modern day sex slavery.
Road to Freedom
RTF is a program designed to create self-sufficiency among survivors of human trafficking and reduce the recidivism rate of returning to the "life." RTF encompasses street outreach, diversion program to incarcerated victims, reentry/post release services, and community resources. Many of the victims are led to believe they have no valuable skills to contribute to society. The success rate of reintegration for survivors is minimal, since viable options are not available to earn a living, causing many to unwillingly return to the sex trade. Our goal is to provide all participants with the tools necessary to redirect their lives and become contributing members of the community. RTF is a three-phase program designed to create a learning experience and promote good work habits and basic skills which are appropriate for the workplace. The following phases are designed to ensure program completion and success: Phase 1-Intake and Assessment-Participants collaborate with staff to identify skills, personal interest, barriers, and immediate needs. Phase 2-Program Implementation & Case Management-Participants will be paired with program mentors based on their interest. Case management is used to plan, implement, and monitor the options and resources required to meet the participants' service needs. Phase 3-Internship and Program Certification-Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion. Staff will work with employers to secure internships and job placement.
Certain women and girls are especially vulnerable to trafficking and sexual exploitation. These include impoverished, uneducated and drug- addicted women and runaway girls. These women and girls have few economic alternatives beyond prostitution. Runaways, in particular, are highly susceptible to the false love and support offered by traffickers and/or pimps. In all cases, poverty contributes to the vulnerability of women and girls. Studies show, victims of human trafficking experience severe trauma that directly impact their ability to reclaim their life thus keeping them vulnerable to a life of prostitution. Research also tells us that experiencing traumatic life events can affect the way people learn, plan, and interact with others. Providing human services to individuals who have experienced trauma calls for an approach that takes into consideration their trauma histories. Our staff and volunteers are trained to address trauma related issues that directly affect victims. We believe economic empowerment will strengthen survivors and equip them with the skills, resources, and confidence to financially support themselves and their families. The workplace is a key environmental factor in our mental well-being and health. Economic well-being impacts personal identity, self-esteem, and social recognition. Moreover, economic options contribute to social integration, including social contact, social context, time structure, and social identity, all of which affect people's health and mental health status. Our long term goal is to create self sufficiency and reduce the recidivism rate of those returning to jail and a life of human trafficking.
Strategy 1.1:Reduce victimization by preparing participants for successful transition and re-entry into their communities.
Objective 1.1: Assess and classify participants to identify behavior and programming/employment needs.
Objective 1.1.2: To train staff, volunteers and mentors in their role in the development of an individualized treatment and goal plan.
Strategy 1.2: Ensure participants are prepared to transition prior to program completion.
Objective 1.2.1: To provide participants with educational, vocational, and substance abuse treatment and other program needs based on their individual needs/priorities, program space availability, and transition date.
Strategy 1.3: Implement a discharge and/or aftercare plan for all participants.
Objective 1.3.1: To identify resources available to assist participants with transition plans.
Strategy 1.4: Ensure an environment with internal and external community involvement.
Objective 1.4.1: Network with local business, colleges and community leaders to discuss issues related to the "Transition from Human Trafficking" Initiative.
Objective 1.4.2: Establish local advisory and employment groups to support re-entry efforts.
Objective 1.4.3: To educate all staff on the concept of re-entry and their role in the process.
Objective 1.4.4: To increase the use of volunteers/mentors with a variety of areas of expertise in victim trauma/re-entry programs.
Youth Ambassador Program (YAP)
THE YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM (Y.A.P.) targets youth between the ages of 11-18 to decrease their risks of being involved in gangs, human trafficking and other destructive behaviors. Our mission is to encourage youth through our 4 Foundation Pillars to enhance their individual abilities to grow into powerful leaders within society. • Empowerment (Well-being) • Leadership and Mentoring • Education • Service Our purpose is to empower youth to become leaders in their community by enhancing their knowledge in human trafficking, teen dating violence, mental health, as well as other stressors youth face in today’s society by utilizing interactive practices, education, and intervention tools.
At the completion of the program, YAP participants will be able to:
1. Develop a clear understanding of human trafficking, which includes prevention and intervention tools. Describe various elements of human trafficking as it relates to grooming techniques, vulnerability factors, coercion, etc.
2. Reduce chances of being victims or perpetrators of human trafficking
3. Demonstrate awareness of and apply skills to enhance self-esteem and self-confidence.
4. Create a safe space for peer-to-peer dialogue about serious topics.
5. Provide examples of leadership styles that reflect one’s strengths.
6. Identify ways to prevent stressors youth experience, including bullying, effects of social media, anger management, substance dependency, peer pressure, etc.
7. Describe ways to increase healthier relationships (including teen dating violence and mental health) and lifestyle choices.
8. Identify strategies to improve behavior, both at home and school.
9. Articulate keyways to increase high school graduation rates, improve people skills, and have a better attitude about school/life.
CONTACT
Forgotten Children Inc
7732 Bently Ave
Garden Grove, CA 92841-3056
Phone: 800-4451326