Training social workers in anti-trafficking service

As human trafficking is becoming recognized as an issue that needs social workers’ attention, more social workers are expressing an interest in serving trafficked persons. This chapter examines human trafficking from a broad lens that incorporates an anti-trafficking training model for social work students and professionals. The author discusses human trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery and charges the social work professional with fostering a human rights approach to anti-trafficking service.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the chapter, readers will be able to:

Illustrate the need for social work professionals to turn to active participation in anti-trafficking work;

Describe empowerment and the values of the social work profession and discuss how they are embedded within a social justice mission;

Examine human trafficking from a human rights lens;

Discuss trafficking elements for social work students and professionals;

Apply knowledge gained throughout this chapter to illustrate critical elements of vulnerability and service provision using a human trafficking case study; and

Dissect contextual factors related to understanding and addressing human trafficking.