Peel Region is the second-largest municipality in Ontario, Canada with a population exceeding 1.4 million residents. Human trafficking is an escalating and deeply concerning issue in the region. Cross-sector partnerships are critical to providing coordinated, wrap-around support for individuals at risk of, experiencing, or exiting trafficking. This presentation will discuss the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and formal partnerships to deliver strengths-based services to individuals experiencing human trafficking. Survivor consultations have emphasized the need for centralized and accessible services, as many individuals face barriers such as navigating fragmented systems, repeatedly recounting traumatic experiences, and encountering bias from service providers. In response, the nCourage Anti-Human Trafficking Integrated Service Hub was established in Peel Region for youth aged 12 to 24. The Hub houses three local organizations; child welfare, youth justice, and emergency shelter. It integrates services, improves continuity of care, reduces duplication, strengthens safety and risk management, and enhances equitable access, supporting long-term healing and recovery. Collaboration is not just a strategy—it is a shared responsibility that drives stronger outcomes and sustainable recovery. Attendees will take away recommendations to strengthen collaboration across their communities to provide holistic, low-barrier, and trauma-informed support for individuals experiencing human trafficking. Recommendations will highlight how organizations should strengthen collaboration through formalized partnerships, consistent communication pathways, and shared trauma-informed practices to ensure survivors receive coordinated, holistic, and survivor-centered support. This can include shared protocols, referral pathways between agencies, multidisciplinary case conferencing for high-risk cases, and joint training.
Arathi Packiyanathan is the supervisor of the Anti-Human Trafficking team at Peel Children’s Aid Society, lead of the nCourage Anti-Human Trafficking Integrated Service Hub, and co-chair of the agency’s Anti-Human Trafficking Committee that drives internal strategy. She passionately continues her journey of 10+ years in child welfare and human trafficking work.
Simran Fazal is the Client Services Manager with Our Place Peel, leading the youth homelessness case management team and anti-human trafficking team, partnered with nCourage. Professionally, she has supported youth and individuals experiencing homelessness, criminalization, and exploitation. She focuses on strengthening cross-sector partnerships so that survivors receive holistic, coordinated care.