BILL NUMBER: S8743

SPONSOR: LIU
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to requiring the
commissioner of social services to submit a report on the services
provided to human trafficking survivors

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

The purpose of this bill is to assess the availability, utilization,
necessity, and appropriate funding levels for services and housing
provided to survivors of human trafficking.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section one requires the commissioners of the Office of Temporary and
Disability Assistance (OTDA) and Division of Criminal Justice to jointly
submit a report annually regarding detailed information of services
provided to survivors of human trafficking.
              

Sections two provides an effective date of i8o days after enactment.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

In 2018, Chapter 238 was enacted into law, establishing "culturally
competent" short-term safe house residential facilities and long-term
safe house residential facilities and services operated by not-for-pro-
fit agencies for survivors of human trafficking. Survivors of human
trafficking are required to be afforded placement in such facilities at
the initial point of contact with law enforcement, a local social
services district, or social or legal service providers.  These services
are required to be culturally competent to the extent practicable,
including helping these survivors with services such as case management,
emergency temporary housing, health care, mental health counseling,
substance use disorder screening and treatment, language interpretation
and translation services, English language instruction, job training and
placement assistance, post-employment services for job retention, and
services to assist the victim and their potential family members the
ability to establish permanent residency.

For many survivors of human trafficking, one of their most immediate
needs is a safe, supportive place to stay. Especially for survivors who
are fleeing an exploitative work or living situation, temporary housing
may be one of the most important factors in determining whether he or
she can safely seek help. In New York State, some survivors turn to a
network of temporary shelters to meet this need.  Homeless shelters,
domestic violence shelters, and runaway and homeless youth shelters can
all help, but only if the trafficking survivor meets each shelter
system's particular eligibility requirements. Because many trafficking
survivors either may not meet these requirements or, even if they quali-
fy, may not be able to find a vacant bed or unit, it was clear to the
Legislature in 2018 that more shelter capacity - tailored to meet the
particular, culturally competent needs of trafficking survivors - was
necessary.

Consistent with this understanding, the 2018-19 budget included a $2
million appropriation for safe houses for human trafficking survivors.
As part of the Legislature's oversight and budget responsibilities, it
is vital that it receives accurate and timely data regarding the scope
of the problem, including the services actually provided to human traf-
ficking survivors and the related costs.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
180 days after enactment.