Safe Harbor program increasingly supports at-risk youth: report

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MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A recently released evaluation report from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) found that the Safe Harbor program has proven successful in supporting youth who have been exploited or trafficked.

What we know

The evaluation found that from 2021 through 2023, the Safe Harbor program reported “high levels of satisfaction” among those who used its support services.

A survey of young people conducted by the Improve Group found that 95% were satisfied with the organization from which they received Safe Harbor services. 80% indicated that they were satisfied with the services they received.

Between April 2021 and March 2023, Safe Harbor enrolled 1,494 clients in the program – an increase from the previous three-year evaluation. In 2019-2021, statistics show 1,200 were enrolled, and 1,279 in 2017-19.

“It is encouraging to see the positive impact of Minnesota’s Safe Harbor approach as we at the Department of Health and Human Services and our colleagues in law enforcement work to address the serious problem of sexual exploitation,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham said in a statement accompanying the evaluation. “The youth who participate in Safe Harbor services are resilient and want trauma-informed and culturally responsive services that help them become independent by meeting basic needs, case management and housing.”

The multi-agency and state-level initiative is designed to meet the needs of youth under 24 who are victims of sex trafficking and exploitation. In recent years, services, including housing, have been expanded for those who need them.

Dig deeper

Under Minnesota’s Safe Harbor law, which went into effect in 2011, victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking are protected from criminal prosecution.

According to MDH, the average age of victims helped through the Safe Harbor program was 18.

In Greater Minnesota, the percentage of youth receiving services is higher, at 63%, compared to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, where the percentage is 37%.

Of the survivors surveyed, 77% were female, 11% identified as male, and 12% as transgender or gender non-conforming.