Empowerment Docket

“Show Up. Be Honest. Try”  

The mission of the Empowerment Court is to untether the potential of young survivors of human trafficking.  The program “EMPOWERS” our youth to commit to a healthy lifestyle and plant seeds of healing. We accomplish this by providing treatment, mentoring, and Court supervision.  

 

Program Goals 

  1. Reduce high risk behavior/recidivism 

  2. Increase the number of youth who engage in treatment services.  

  3. Increase the number of youth who engage in school or alternative education.  

  4. Help youth work toward a sober lifestyle 

  5. Increase compliance with court orders 

  6. Support youth in successfully completing the program and meeting their own goals.  

 

Safe Harbor/Empowerment Tracks 

There are two tracks for program entry. The Safe Harbor track allows the youth’s offense to be placed in abeyance and provides a maximum of 365 days for the youth to complete the five phases of the program and successfully graduate. Upon completion, youth are eligible to have their charges dismissed and expunged. To qualify for the Safe Harbor track, the court must have reason to believe that the youth is a victim of human trafficking and that the charge is related to his/her victimization. The Empowerment track is for youth who the court has reason to believe is a victim of human trafficking and who has already been adjudicated delinquent on an offense. These youth are eligible for sealing and expungement of their records upon successful program completion. The offense does not need to be related to their victimization.  

 

A youth may be considered for participation in Franklin County Empowerment/Safe Harbor Program if he/she meets legal and clinical eligibility criteria. However, the fact that a youth may meet these criteria does not create an absolute right to participate. 

  1. Be a resident of Franklin County 

  2. Have an adjudicated or pending delinquency with the court 

  3. The court has reason to believe that the youth is a victim of human trafficking 

  4. Have no adjudications that cannot by law be expunged by the state 

  5. Youth must voluntarily wish to participate 

  6. Youth must have any mental health or substance use diagnosis with a clinical recommendation for treatment 

 

Basic Empowerment/Safe Harbor Program Requirements 

  1. Attend status review hearings 

  2. Attend appointments with treatment providers 

  3. Engage with Human Trafficking Case Management and/or mentoring services 

  4. Attend appointments with the coordinator 

  5. Comply with the program requirements 

  6. Submit to frequent and random alcohol and drug screens 

  7. Comply with sanctions for infractions 

  8. Engage in a sober support community 

  9. No further violations of the law 

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