From the Washington Examiner:
By Emily Babay
Virginia has improved what had been a dismal record on curbing human trafficking, according to a national anti-trafficking organization.Polaris Project, which runs the national human trafficking resource center, had previously rated Virginia in its lowest tier. But after the state passed three anti-trafficking bills last year, Virginia is now ranked in its second-highest tier and is no longer singled out as "lagging behind" in its human-trafficking laws. "Great bills went through," said James Dold, policy counsel for Polaris Project. Gov. Bob McDonnell signed the three bills in May. One makes the abduction of any person for prostitution or of a minor for manufacturing child pornography a Class 2 felony that is punishable by 20 years to life in prison. Another requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services to advise law enforcement about prosecuting trafficking offenses. The third mandates that the Department of Social Services develop a plan to help trafficking victims. Officials said those measures are already being implemented. The state held its first training seminar on recognizing human trafficking and prosecuting it last week. "The biggest problem is spotting it," Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said. He said the session taught prosecutors, police officers and social workers about signs of trafficking and Virginia laws.
Read the full article
From Idealist:
Boat People SOS, Inc. (BPSOS) seeks a full-time attorney for its legal services programs. The Programs include direct legal services for survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence; direct legal services for Vietnamese immigrants and refugees; outreach and education for the community; and training and technical assistance for service providers.
Responsibilities:
1. Provide survivors of human trafficking with legal services and referrals in matters including immigration, employment, family law, and civil rights;
2. Provide survivors of domestic violence with legal services and referrals in matters including immigration and family law;
3. Recruit, train and mentor pro bono attorneys, volunteers and local service providers assisting human trafficking and domestic violence survivors;4. Collaborate with other local, regional, and national providers to strengthen a coalition of service providers and law enforcement engaged in the issue of human trafficking;
5. Conduct community outreach and education on legal remedies available to trafficking and domestic violence survivors and to the Vietnamese community regarding immigration options;
6. Provide legal representation to Vietnamese immigrants and refugees on immigration issues including family-based immigration, refugee adjustment, naturalization, cancellation of removal, disability waivers for torture survivors, and other avenues of relief; and
7. Represent asylum seekers in asylum and removal proceedings.
Goals: 1. Clients receive effective, quality service in a timely, professional manner;
2. BPSOS is well-represented among public and private agencies; and
3. Collaborative networks are strengthened and improved to form a seamless network of services for survivors.Location: Falls Church, VA and / or Silver Spring, MD
Additional Qualifications:
1. Juris Doctor from an accredited law school;
2. Admitted to practice law either in Maryland or Virginia;
3. Experience in immigration and/or family law;
4. Experience in working with victims of trauma (domestic violence, family violence, sexual assault or human trafficking);
5. Outreach and training experience preferred;
6. English and Vietnamese fluency preferred; and
7. Bicultural background preferred.
How to Apply: Send cover letter, resume and list of three professional references to:
Human Resources hr@bpsos.org
BPSOS is an equal opportunity employer!
