Human Trafficking Prevention Designation

Human Trafficking Prevention Designation

When a child needs a higher level of support, a non‑family setting—also called a congregate care placement—may be the safest option. Family First encourages these placements to be temporary and focused on each child’s individual needs, with the goal of helping them return to family and community life as soon as possible.

The Human Trafficking Prevention Designation strengthens statewide efforts to reduce the vulnerabilities that put youth in foster care at risk of trafficking. Federal funding for youth placed in Child Residential Facilities or Therapeutic Group Homes is only available when the facility has earned this designation.

These standards help ensure that young people receive safe, informed care that supports healing, stability, and hope for their future.

What is the Human Trafficking Prevention Designation?

The Human Trafficking Prevention Designation is awarded to child residential facilities licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and therapeutic group homes licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) that meet all required standards.

Children and teens who have been involved with the child welfare system face a higher risk of trafficking than their peers. Youth ages 13 and older are even more likely to have added risk factors. Because of this, all youth in foster care ages 13 and up are considered at risk for trafficking and are eligible for support through this designation. (Child and Family Services Manual, Chapter E. Foster Care, Section 6B.6.1)

To qualify, providers must:

• Be a VDSS‑licensed child residential facility or a DBHDS‑licensed therapeutic group home
• Ensure staff receive training in human trafficking awareness and mandated reporting
• Screen all youth for any history of trafficking victimization
• Refer youth with trafficking experiences to trauma‑responsive services
• Provide trafficking prevention education to all youth

These requirements help create safe, informed, and supportive environments where young people can heal, build resilience, and move toward a hopeful future.

Download the VDSS Human Trafficking Prevention Designation Provider Requirements for more information.

Designation Application Process

Providers may apply for the Human Trafficking Prevention Designation through VDSS.  Providers should first review the VDSS Human Trafficking Prevention Designation Provider Requirements, which details all requirements and lists preapproved resources/tools/trainings that may be utilized.  To apply, download and complete the initial application.  Additional details regarding the application process can be found on the application itself.  Applications should be submitted to FamilyFirst@dss.virginia.gov. 

Designated Facilities

The following facilities have successfully applied and received the Human Trafficking Prevention Designation.  This designation demonstrates their dedication to improving outcomes for youth in foster care and preventing youth trafficking victimization.  This list is regularly updated with all designated facilities.