This presentation provides a high-level overview of Maryland’s coordinated system to identify and support minor-aged survivors of human trafficking. At the core of this system is the Regional Navigator Program (RGNV), a legislatively established model designed to connect survivors with trauma-informed services, ensure timely intervention, and facilitate collaboration among law enforcement, child welfare agencies, and service providers. The central premise of this presentation is that the RGNV program offers a scalable and effective response to the complex needs of youth survivors of trafficking. Drawing from the presenter’s original doctoral research, which explored the lived experiences of professionals supporting minor-aged trafficking survivors, the session identifies critical challenges and promising practices. Key findings emphasize the importance of interagency coordination, consistent access to basic needs, and the varied experiences professionals report depending on their organizational setting. This presentation details the RGNV model’s structure and goals, its integration within existing systems, and provides anonymized case examples from Maryland to demonstrate how the program functions in real practice. The content emphasizes gaps still present in the field—such as inconsistent training, lack of trauma-informed protocols, and disparities in rural versus urban resource availability. The session concludes with actionable recommendations for policymakers, program administrators, and service providers. It calls for increased investment in training, resource development, and infrastructure to expand and strengthen collaborative anti-trafficking efforts.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Dr. Danielle Thomas is the Victim Services Coordinator at the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, supporting Maryland’s human trafficking response. She collaborates with state and community partners to advance survivor centered, trauma responsive systems of care.