SAVING INNOCENCE INC

Saving Innocence envisions a world where survivors of human trafficking are empowered to live their lives with hope, dignity, and justice. We support and empower children and adults impacted by human trafficking by disrupting cycles of abuse and confronting exploitation through strategic partnerships and trauma-responsive education, advocacy, and systems of care.

To achieve Saving Innocence’s goal of comprehensive support and advocacy for survivors of human trafficking, we employ a multifaceted approach tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We provide 24/7 emergency crisis response to ensure immediate support for survivors in Los Angeles County. Beyond crisis intervention, our long-term intensive case management and advocacy services are designed to address the ongoing needs of survivors of all ages and forms of trafficking victimization. We also offer specialized workshops for Transitional-Age Youth (TAY), providing trauma-responsive support and equipping them with essential life skills and coping mechanisms. Our case management and advocacy services prioritize a victim-centered approach by empowering clients to lead their own path toward recovery with support from their Case Manager/Advocate. Through one-on-one mentorship and emotional support, we assist survivors in developing independent living skills and accessing vital resources. Additionally, our victim witness support services offer invaluable assistance to individuals involved in trafficking-related cases, ensuring they have the necessary support during legal proceedings. Throughout our work, we emphasize trauma-informed care, recognizing the significance of each client's experiences and prioritizing their well-being. We actively seek and facilitate referrals to supplementary services, such as mental health assistance and legal aid, to provide ongoing support tailored to the individual needs of survivors. By combining crisis intervention, long-term support, and advocacy efforts, we aim to empower survivors and create lasting change in the fight against human trafficking.

Saving Innocence is well-equipped to meet our goals thanks to our extensive experience in the field, with over 10 years of dedicated service. Our founder, Kim Biddle, MSW, launched and developed programs to advocate for at-risk youth and survivors of human trafficking in multiple countries throughout Africa and the Caribbean, in addition to the United States. Our Executive Director, Alan Smyth, has worked in non-profit management for over 30 years. He was an Area Director for Young Life in the San Francisco Bay Area for 11 years and served for 14 years as the Regional Director for Young Life in the Greater Los Angeles Region before joining Saving Innocence. Our Board Members include experts in the field, providing invaluable guidance and insight. Additionally, we provide clinical supervision for our client-facing staff, ensuring high-quality care for our clients and support for our client-facing staff. Our client-facing staff are fluent in both English and Spanish and meet the criteria to be Human Trafficking Caseworkers as mandated by CA Evidence Code §1038.2, demonstrating their expertise and dedication. We pride ourselves on our Comprehensive Services Model, overseen by a skilled team of experts, which ensures victim-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and individualized services for victims of all forms of human trafficking. Furthermore, our partnerships with other organizations allow us to offer a comprehensive approach to support, including mental health services, financial assistance, emergency housing, legal services, and more. Together, these capabilities enable us to effectively address the needs of survivors and work towards our mission of combating human trafficking.

Saving Innocence has made significant strides in its mission since its founding in 2010. Having served over 1,800 clients, with 1,300 confirmed victims of human trafficking, we've been at the forefront of advocacy and support in Los Angeles County. As the primary agency responding to crisis calls to support Commercially Sexually Exploited Children at the inception of Los Angeles County’s First Responder Protocol in 2014, we've remained committed to our cause. We responded to 778 crisis calls from 2014 to 2023. In 2023, we expanded our impact by training and onboarding two new Advocacy Agencies to continue the vital work of supporting clients recovered in LA County. Additionally, our evolution from exclusively serving minor victims of sex trafficking to serving victims of both sex and labor trafficking, regardless of age, underscores our adaptability and commitment to inclusivity. In collaboration with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, we've taken on a leadership role as co-lead of the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (LARHTTF) since 2021. As we reflect on our accomplishments, we're excited about what lies ahead as we continue our journey toward combating human trafficking and advocating for survivors.