HumanTrafficking.org | United States of America International Organization: International Organization for Adolescents

A web resource for combating human trafficking

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United States of America

International Organization for Adolescents

Address

International Organization for Adolescents
P.O. Box 25792
Brooklyn, New York 11202-2218

Contact Information

Tel: 1-718-222-5802
Fax: 1-718-222-5803

Website

http://www.iofa.org

Email

iofa@iofa.org

Activities

International Organization for Adolescents (IOFA), an independent, nonprofit organization based in New York City , was formed in 1999 to advocate for the rights of young people and to offer technical assistance to programs and services for adolescents around the world. IOFA provides its project partners with a range of technical assistance services including training and technical support, program development and integration, organizational development and support, and service-based research. IOFA currently has two main initiatives---the Youth Trafficking Prevention Initiative and the Youth Leadership Initiative. The trafficking of young people for forced labor and prostitution is a serious and growing global problem. In response to this burgeoning problem, IOFA is working to educate and empower young people who are at risk for human trafficking in both destination and sending countries. Through its Youth Trafficking Prevention Initiative, IOFA has earned a reputation for developing innovative and effective anti-trafficking program models at the local, national, and international levels for prevention of human trafficking, protection of victims of human trafficking, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration necessary for the identification of and prosecution of traffickers.

Projects in the Baltic States and Balkans

- Project for the Prevention of Adolescent Trafficking in Latvia (PPAT-Latvia) The goal of the PPAT-Latvia project is to increase adolescents' awareness of human trafficking and forced labor in Latvia through safe migration education. This model program, which is currently being piloted in 14 youth health centers in Latvia , is the first trafficking prevention program developed with messages, activities, and materials developmentally appropriate for adolescents.

- Project for the Prevention of Adolescent Trafficking in Estonia (PPAT-Estonia) PPAT-Estonia is based on the PPAT model successfully implemented in Latvia . The goal of the project is to increase adolescents' awareness of human trafficking and forced labor in Estonia through safe migration education. The program is being piloted in six youth centers across Estonia .

- Prevention, Investigation, and Repatriation of Victims of Human Trafficking in Latvia (PIR-Latvia) The PIR-Latvia project provides human trafficking and collaborative problem-solving training to encourage cooperation among law enforcement officials and NGO leaders in combating trafficking in Latvia.

- Anti-Trafficking Journalism Training Program for South Eastern Europe In collaboration with the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe , IOFA will conduct the first Regional Media Decision Maker's Conference in order to raise awareness of human trafficking among influential media makers in the Balkan region, and to create sustainable changes in the media environment in regards to human trafficking coverage.

Current Projects in the United States

- NYC Community Response to Trafficking in Persons Project In collaboration with ECPAT-USA and partners from the NYC Task Force Against Sexual Exploitation of Young People, this project seeks to raise awareness about human trafficking in New York City and increase the capacity of community-based organizations, public and private service providers, members of at-risk communities, other NGOs, and local law enforcement to identify and provide services to victims of human trafficking in the New York City area. This project has been honored with a proclamation by the Mayor of New York City as an exemplary community outreach program.

- The New York City Task Force Against Sexual Exploitation of Young People IOFA, together with Girls Education and Mentoring Services (GEMS), and End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes-USA (ECPAT-USA), is a co-founding organization of this 100+ member Task Force formed to develop best practices for, and to disseminate information about, combating sexual exploitation and trafficking of youth. The Task Force also serves as a data and technical assistance center working with trafficked and sexually exploited children and youth.

- Freedom Network (USA) to Empower Trafficked and Enslaved Persons Freedom Network (USA) is a coalition of 25 US-based organizations working to advocate for the rights of trafficked and enslaved persons in the United States. IOFA is a founding member of the Freedom Network (USA).

- Freedom Network Trafficking in Persons Training Institute in collaboration with Freedom Network (USA) members across the country, this national training institute provides specialized training, hands-on capacity building, and mentoring for organizations providing services or advocacy for victims of trafficking in the United States. IOFA serves as the Northeast Regional Coordinator for this project.