308 – Streamlining Connection to Survivor Services with Technology

Dr. Sandie Morgan is joined by Melissa Yao and Alexis Byers as the three discuss the role of technology in connecting survivors to services.

Melissa Yao

Melissa Yao is the Executive Director of the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance, a network of service providers committed to enhancing services and increasing access to care for survivors of human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. She was a guest on Episode #220 of the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast.

Alexis Byers

Alexis Byers is the referral program manager at the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance. She graduated from college in 2021, with a degree in political science, and a minor in security and Conflict Studies, and now she's working on a master's in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Key Points

Technology has brought about opportunities to improve the accessibility of resources for survivors. National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance has created a three pillar approach to make a difference in the accessibility of survivor services.

NTSA's three pillar approach begins with membership, providing the public with a vast range of resources. Within the three pillar approach is a referral system and accreditation program that ensures the best quality of service and standards of care.

The TIRA app (Trafficking Interruption Resource Agent) allows survivors to filter their searches for services with their own needs and preferences, giving them a voice in their own journey.

When a referral form is filled out, within 24 hours of the business week, it is sent out to programs that match the survivor's preferences directly. However, there is emergency placement available through NTSA's partnership with Safe Shelter Collaborative.

When placements are not the right fit, survivors blame themselves, often causing a cycle of returning to unsafe environments. NTSA aims to change this cycle by including survivors in the decision-making of their life.

Resources

National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance 

#220 - National trafficking Sheltered Alliance: What is it and why do we need it?

NTSA Accreditation 

TIRA (Trafficking Interruption Resource Agent)

REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) 

Alliance Referral System 

Send a Referral 

Transcript

Sandra Morgan 0:00

You're listening to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast. This is episode #308: Streamlining Connection to Survivor Services With Technology.

Welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast here at Vanguard University's Global Center for Women and Justice in Orange County, California. My name is Dr. Sandie Morgan, and I'm your host. This is the show where we empower you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in ending human trafficking. I'm excited to welcome Melissa Yao from the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance. She was a guest on episode #220. We'll put that episode link in the show notes, but if you're looking for it right now, because you want to listen to it before this episode, then just look for #220. Melissa is the Executive Director of the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance, a network of service providers committed to enhancing services and increasing access to care for survivors of human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. I want to emphasize 'increasing access' because that is what really contributes to empowerment. I'm also excited that Melissa brought a colleague with her, Alexis Byers. Alexis is the referral program manager at the Alliance. She graduated from college in 2021, with a degree in political science, and a minor in security and Conflict Studies, and now she's working on a master's in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. I want to actually emphasize my welcome and excitement about having you here, Alexis,