Turning Policy into PROTECTion: Scalable Strategies for Schools
Amanda Taggart & Arleen Marin, MPA | September 19 | 9:45-10:45 am EDT
Topic: Research, Legal | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Educators play a critical role in preventing human trafficking, yet many lack the training, policies, and resources to do so effectively. Schools need more than awareness—they need actionable, evidence-based strategies that build protective factors in students and drive systemic change. This session introduces PROTECT, a federally recognized, survivor-informed prevention education program led by 3Strands Global Foundation that has been successfully implemented through U.S. Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education (HTYPE) demonstration programs. Attendees will learn how HTYPE-funded initiatives have expanded access to vetted curricula, professional training, and school-based policies nationwide—creating scalable, sustainable solutions to prevent exploitation. Established in 2015, PROTECT equips school communities with key life-changing skills—including critical thinking, boundary-setting, and help-seeking strategies—to help them navigate unsafe situations before they escalate. The program offers a train-the-trainer model for school leaders, online and in-person training for staff and parents/caregivers, and an adaptable curriculum for primary and secondary education that aligns with national and state standards. Participants will also explore advocacy strategies for long-term policy adoption and sustainable funding, ensuring prevention efforts continue beyond initial grant support—making human trafficking prevention a lasting part of school-based education. This interactive session includes real-world case studies from HTYPE programs, small-group discussions, and hands-on exercises to help attendees apply prevention frameworks in their schools and communities. Participants will leave with tangible tools, policy insights, and advocacy strategies to strengthen protective factors, influence legislation, and drive systemic responses to human trafficking.
Presentation Objectives:
• Explain how skill-building education strengthens protective factors in students and prevents exploitation
• Examine the intersection of policy and education in creating sustainable prevention efforts
• Identify advocacy strategies for securing funding and policy support for prevention education
• Equip participants with practical tools for implementing survivor-informed prevention programming in schools