The Tangled Web of Human Trafficking, Trauma, and Addiction

Description: This workshop will delve into the complex intersection between human trafficking, substance use, and trauma, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of these interconnected issues. We will explore how traffickers often use substances to lure, manipulate, coerce, and control their victims. Additionally, we will examine how survivors may turn to substance use as a coping mechanism for the trauma they experience. Participants will gain an overview of trauma and its related responses, including a brief introduction to Trauma-Coerced Attachment (TCA) and its implications for affected individuals. We will present data on the prevalence of human trafficking both in Florida and nationally, providing context for the scope of this critical issue. The workshop will equip behavioral health professionals with practical tools for identifying victims of human trafficking and connecting them to essential community resources. Best practices for working with survivors, addressing their trauma, and supporting their recovery will be discussed in detail. Join us to enhance your understanding and skills in addressing these urgent issues and contribute to more effective support for individuals affected by human trafficking.

CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1241970

This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1.  Describe the connections between Human Trafficking, substance use and trauma.
2.  Summarize the prevalence of Human Trafficking in Florida.
3. Describe how to identify human trafficking victims seeking help for behavioral health reasons.
4. List best practices in treating trauma specifically related to trafficked individuals.

About the Presenters:

Gina Costa, LMHC, MCAP is a behavioral health consultant at TBD Solutions Inc., a national consultancy. Gina received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Florida State University and her Masters in Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. Gina is an experienced executive clinical leader with over 25 years of experience in behavioral health. She has been an innovator in growing agencies and programs to meet the needs of those they serve. Gina has developed trauma programs, designed crisis services, and been a leader in working in community behavioral health. Her attention to detail and quality is exceptional. Her teams have received multiple multi-year CARF accreditations, and she also led a team that scored 100% on over 4000 standards, which is only achieved by 2% of all agencies internationally. Gina has also been instrumental in writing and receiving large grants that have led to new and innovative services such as integrated primary and behavioral health as well as Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Gina is passionate about seeing the success of others. She served as the executive director of the Victim Service Center of Central Florida for many years and was chair of the Orange and Osceola Sexual Assault Response Teams. Currently, Gina serves on the Board of Directors for Samaritan Village – a Human Trafficking agency where she chairs the program committee. Gina is also an accreditation site examiner for the American Association of Suicidology. 

Myranda Green, MSW is a behavioral health consultant at TBD Solutions Inc., a national consultancy. Myranda is a dedicated social work professional with a robust academic and practical background. She earned her bachelor's degree in social work from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. Myranda has extensive experience in developing and managing crisis services systems, where her leadership and commitment to building meaningful relationships have been pivotal. Myranda's passion for accessible crisis services and her advocacy skills have led to significant legislative changes in Michigan, including the historic dual licensing of crisis residential units as withdrawal management programs. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to breaking down barriers to service access and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services that lead to positive outcomes for individuals. In addition to her advocacy work, Myranda excels as the Programming Chair for CrisisCon, the annual Crisis Continuum Conference. In this role, she successfully brings together professionals from across the field, furthering collaborative efforts and advancing the standards of crisis intervention and management. Myranda continues to be a proactive force in her field, seeking opportunities to foster connections and drive impactful change in crisis services.