Strategic Planning for the Human Trafficking Prevention and Response Program
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) support more than 40 community organizations across the state of Minnesota who are providing outreach, shelter, housing and supportive services to sexually exploited, trafficked and at-risk youth through age 24 (Safe Harbor).
MDH also supports six community agencies providing case management, basic needs and legal services to victims of labor exploitation and trafficking of all ages (Labor Trafficking Services), and is expanding its labor trafficking response by adding a statewide navigator and establishing a multidisciplinary team focused on identification, investigations and prosecutions in Minnesota (Grant from Buffett Foundation will strengthen statewide response to labor trafficking).
MDH and DHS partner with Tribal Nations, state agencies, local government, multidisciplinary partners and subject matter experts with lived experience to strengthen how Minnesota prevents and responds to exploitation and human trafficking. Together, these agencies and partners make up the Minnesota Human Trafficking Prevention and Response Network (MHTPRN).
View the 2026 – 2029 Strategic Plan for the Minnesota Human Trafficking Prevention and Response Network (PDF)
Planning for the future
Minnesota is working on a long-term plan to improve its response to human trafficking through 2030. A key focus is making sure survivors—especially young people and subject matter experts with lived experience—help guide decisions and shape services.
Priorities include:
- Making services easier to access for all victims, survivors and eligible people
- Providing more training for professionals and providers across different fields, as well as for subject matter experts with lived experience
- Strengthening partnerships across communities, agencies, and Tribal Nations
- Supporting the wellbeing of both survivors and the people who serve them
The state is also focused on systems change and sustainability, including advancing health and racial equity, and improving coordination by building stronger relationships (including with Tribal Nations), and creating helpful tools and resources.
Listening to the community
To build this plan, we worked with three subject matter experts with lived experience who joined MDH and DHS to form a leadership team leading this process. This two-year process was facilitated by external consultants (Ambient Collective) and gathered input from many people across the network. This included service providers, law enforcement, advocates, and survivors. They shared what is working well, what needs improvement, and ideas for the future through interviews, focus groups, and surveys.
This feedback was used to create recommendations and set priorities. A group that includes survivors, state staff, and community partners reviewed this information and helped shape the plan. More feedback will continue to guide the work moving forward.
Implementing the Plan
This plan will be implemented from 2026 through 2029 and overseen by an Implementation Committee made up of state and Tribal agency leaders, government partners, service providers, and subject matter experts with lived experience. The work will be led by three different subcommittees, also made up of network members and stakeholders, who will focus on advancing the various strategies and tactics outlined in the plan.
Looking ahead
The Human Trafficking Prevention and Response Program and network is working to build a system that is more just, more connected, and centered on survivors. The goal is to make sure everyone who has experienced exploitation and human trafficking in Minnesota can get the support they need to be safe and well.
Past reports
In the past, Minnesota’s response to sex trafficking and exploitation has focused primarily on youth. In January 2019, MDH submitted a strategic plan called Safe Harbor for All (PDF) to the legislature providing immediate and long-term suggestions for expanding Safe Harbor to all ages. This plan is informed by the recommendations and findings developed through the community engagement process and outlined in the report submitted by the partner organizations.
The Safe Harbor law and No Wrong Door model is evaluated at least every other year, as required by the Minnesota Legislature. Evaluations were completed in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023, and 2025. A Mid-Year Report was developed by MDH in 2016. View the evaluation reports at Safe Harbor Evaluation.