National Referral System App

We are addressing the urgent need for a scalable, secure, and easy-to-access national referral system for trafficking victims to find support when they need it. Currently, the Alliance Referral System (ARS) that we operate is the only national referral system in the United States, and it is managed manually. This manual system is critical but is becoming overwhelmed as referral rates grow faster than our staffing capacity. Our technology solution aims to automate and streamline this process, making it possible for service providers to update their availability in real-time and ensure that survivors receive timely and appropriate support.

As noted in the Challenge, the scale of the problem is significant. According to the International Labor Organization there is an estimated 27.6 million victims of human trafficking globally. In the United States alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 16,554 victims in 2021. Additionally, according to the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report, digital tools have amplified the reach, scale, and speed of trafficking. This is why a solution is needed that is secure for the survivor and offers a real-time inventory of available services so survivors and the people assisting them can find exactly what they need in those critical moments.

Key factors contributing to this problem include the lack of a centralized, real-time system for managing referrals, the manual nature of current processes, and the limited capacity that a manual process allows for handling the growing volume of cases. Our solution addresses these factors by providing a technology platform that automates the referral process, enhances the efficiency of service providers, and ensures that survivors can quickly and securely access the services they need.

By implementing this technology, we aim to transform the support landscape for trafficking victims, making it more responsive, scalable, and accessible, ultimately improving outcomes for survivors across the nation.

Our solution is a desktop and mobile application designed to provide survivors of human trafficking with immediate access to essential support services. This application functions as a bridge to safety by offering real-time updates on the availability of services such as shelter, counseling, and legal support.

Here is an example of how it works:

• Service Provider Registration: Service providers register their services through the app and use simple text messages to update their service availability without needing to log in.

• Real-Time Inventory: The app maintains a real-time inventory of available services, ensuring that survivors and their advocates can find the most current options during critical moments.

• Matching Services: The app matches survivors with eligible services based on their preferences and needs, not just availability, ensuring they find the most suitable support.

• Secure Profiles: Survivors can create secure profiles to directly find and request services, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing the likelihood of re-traumatization.

The technology behind this app includes a desktop version and user-friendly mobile interface for survivors and service providers, secure data encryption to protect personal information, and a backend system that manages real-time updates and service matching. The mobile application protects the survivor through a camouflaged application on the survivor's phone. 

In essence, this app simplifies and secures the process for survivors to access the right services at the right time, ultimately scaling the manual Alliance Referral System and aiding more survivors in their transition to safety and recovery.

To ensure ethical and responsible use of technology, we focus on protecting Personal Identifiable Information (PII) and Personal Health Information (PHI). Our cybersecurity policy includes measures to safeguard sensitive data. For example, we encrypt and password-protect all virtual data storage, avoid unnecessary retention of sensitive information, and ensure secure transmission methods. In the context of our Alliance Referral System (ARS) and TIRA app, we limit the collection of identifying information, de-identify data when possible, and require explicit consent for information sharing. This approach mitigates risks by prioritizing data security and privacy, ensuring that survivors' information is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.

While our solution does not currently use AI, we recognize the importance of ethical considerations in technology use. Our approach prioritizes data security and privacy, ensuring that survivors' information is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures and maintaining strict data handling policies, we mitigate risks and build trust with the communities we serve.

You can view our entire Cybersecurity Policy here. 

Our solution serves survivors of human trafficking, offering them a secure, efficient, and confidential means to access critical resources and support services. The trauma and complexities involved in escaping trafficking make it essential to have reliable, immediate access to support systems tailored to survivors' needs. Currently, finding services can be a slow and often difficult process for survivors, especially when factors such as gender, orientation, children, service animals, health and mental health conditions, and other specific needs must be considered. In a state of stress and trauma, finding a service provider needs to be quick and easy to reduce the burden on the survivor. 

Our mobile application is designed to address this urgent need by providing a streamlined, real-time referral system that connects survivors with service providers who can meet their specific requirements. Survivors can use the app to find services such as safe housing, case management, legal assistance, and mental health support, all while ensuring their privacy and safety. This approach empowers survivors, enabling them to take control of their recovery without the added stress of navigating a fragmented and often slow-moving support network.

Our solution benefits survivors in several key ways: it provides immediate access to real-time information on available services, crucial for preventing re-exploitation and promoting safety during crises. The app ensures confidentiality and trauma-sensitive support, reducing the risk of re-traumatization. It offers personalized matching of services to meet survivors' specific needs, empowering them to take control of their recovery with direct access to services. Additionally, the app enhances service providers' efficiency by automating the referral process and enabling real-time updates, fostering a supportive network that improves the overall care and support for survivors.

Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution because we possess a deep understanding of the challenges faced by trafficking survivors and have already established a strong foundation through our existing referral system. Currently, we manage a fully operational referral system via the National Trafficking Shelter Alliance (NTSA), which handles 15-20 referrals each week. This system collaborates with 114 organizations and 143 services—some organizations providing multiple services—which creates a robust network of support for trafficking survivors.

The NTSA's referral system has proven to be an invaluable resource, and its success has been largely driven by word-of-mouth promotion within the community. The referral system has grown an average of 39% each year since it’s launch in 2018. This organic growth demonstrates the trust and reliance that survivors and service providers place in our system. Building on this trust, we are confident in our ability to effectively launch and deliver the enhanced, automated version of our solution.

The recent acquisition with Atlas Free significantly strengthens the capacity to expand and improve services. Atlas Free's extensive network of organizations and support resources will facilitate the onboarding of additional service providers and increase awareness of the application among survivor advocates. This partnership allows us to leverage Atlas Free's reputation and reach, ensuring that the solution is accessible to a wider audience and that we can provide comprehensive support to a greater number of survivors.

One of our key strengths lies in our proximity to the communities we serve. Through insight from team members who have worked directly with survivors, we have a unique insight into the needs and challenges faced by survivors. This firsthand experience ensures that our design and implementation are not only informed by data but also by the lived experiences of survivors. We continuously seek and incorporate feedback from the communities we serve, allowing us to make adjustments and improvements. Our collaborative approach to development and implementation involves regular consultation with survivors, advocates, and service providers. This inclusive process ensures that our solution is user-centered and responsive to the evolving needs of the community. 

Additionally, we have established rigorous cybersecurity policies to protect personal identifiable information (PII) and personal health information (PHI). These measures ensure that survivors' data is handled with the utmost care and security, fostering trust and confidence in our system. By prioritizing data security and ethical standards, we create a safe environment where survivors can seek help without fear of their information being compromised.

All this being said, our team is exceptionally well-positioned to deliver this solution. Our extensive network, combined with our commitment to ethical practices and user-centered design, equips us to effectively launch and scale this application.

We chose "prototype" as our solution's stage of development because we are in a critical transition phase where the foundational aspects of our technology have been established, and we are poised to advance it to full functionality and deployment. Initially, a basic version of our application was developed with the help of dedicated volunteers. This early prototype has proven invaluable in demonstrating the feasibility and potential impact of our solution. It has allowed us to onboard 114 organizations and 143 services, enabling service providers to sign up for text alerts to update their bed capacity in real-time.

The decision to classify our solution as a prototype reflects our current progress and future aspirations. Our prototype has shown that the concept works and meets a vital need, but it also highlights areas for improvement and further development. Moving beyond the prototype stage will require professional expertise to refine the user experience, enhance security features, and ensure scalability to handle a national rollout effectively.

At present, the service provider side of the prototype is operational and actively in use. This has provided us with valuable feedback and data, confirming the functionality of real-time updates and the practicality of our approach. Providers can efficiently manage their service availability, which is crucial for delivering timely support to trafficking survivors. However, to fully realize the vision of our application, it is essential to develop the survivor-facing side of the app, ensuring it is intuitive, secure, and capable of meeting the diverse needs of those it aims to assist.

The journey from a volunteer-developed prototype to a professionally crafted application is crucial. We are now engaging with experienced developers to take our app to the next phase. This collaboration will enable us to incorporate advanced features, such as enhanced encryption for personal and health information, seamless integration with existing systems, and robust support for various user needs. Our ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive, scalable, and secure national referral system that trafficking survivors can rely on in their most critical moments.

We are applying to the Challenge because we believe it offers a unique opportunity to secure the partnership and support necessary to develop and launch our groundbreaking application for trafficking survivors. Our solution perfectly aligns with the focus of the Challenge, addressing the urgent need for scalable, secure, and easy-to-access technology that connects trafficking victims with critical support services in real time. By participating in this Challenge, we aim to leverage the expertise, resources, and collaborative spirit of the MIT Solve community to take our solution to the next level.

Our current Alliance Referral System (ARS) is the only national referral system in the United States, manually managed, and vital to helping trafficking survivors. However, the increasing volume of referrals has outpaced our staffing capacity, highlighting the need for an automated, streamlined solution. We have developed a working prototype for service providers and are in discussions with developers to build the next phase of the app. This Challenge presents an ideal platform for us to secure the necessary support to transform our prototype into a fully functional, scalable application.

Participating in the Challenge will enable us to tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience from a diverse network of innovators, technologists, and experts. The guidance and mentorship from the MIT Solve community will be invaluable. We are particularly interested in the support for financial backing, legal and regulatory support, monitoring and evaluation, and insight in technology development.  Additionally, the visibility and credibility that come with being part of this prestigious Challenge will help us attract further investment and partnerships, crucial for the long-term sustainability and impact of our solution.

Our solution is innovative due to its unique approach to addressing the complex and urgent needs of human trafficking survivors through advanced technology and a user-centered design. This would be the first national referral system app as it builds upon our current manual referral system. The app provides real-time updates, allowing service providers to update their availability instantly, thus ensuring survivors access the most current information on available services, which significantly reduces the time spent searching for support during critical moments. It is designed to scale nationally, addressing the growing need for a comprehensive and accessible support system for trafficking survivors. The app is developed with a survivor-centric approach, prioritizing confidentiality, safety, and ease of use, ensuring that survivors can find and access services without fear of exposure or re-traumatization. 

Additionally, the app offers personalized matching of services based on the specific needs and preferences of survivors, ensuring that they receive the most appropriate and effective support tailored to their individual situations. By automating the referral process, the app enhances the efficiency of service providers, reducing their administrative burden and allowing them to focus more on delivering quality care and support to survivors. The centralized network of service providers fostered by the app leads to better coordination and collaboration among them, creating a more cohesive support system where survivors can receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their recovery. 

The app incorporates advanced encryption and secure data handling practices to protect sensitive information, ensuring that survivors’ personal and health information is safeguarded against unauthorized access and breaches. Our solution addresses the critical gap of a nationwide, real-time referral system for trafficking survivors by providing a unified platform that can be accessed anywhere in the country, bridging the gap between survivors and the services they desperately need. By leveraging existing relationships with over 114 organizations and 143 services through the National Trafficking Shelter Alliance, our app is not only innovative but also practical and immediately impactful. The combination of real-time technology, a survivor-centered design, and enhanced coordination among service providers makes our solution transformative, providing a scalable, secure, and efficient platform that significantly impacts the lives of human trafficking survivors in the United States and eventually across the world.

Our solution addresses the urgent need for a scalable, secure, and efficient national referral system for survivors of human trafficking, ensuring they can access critical resources and support services in real-time. The core activities of our solution include developing and maintaining a mobile application that connects survivors with service providers, providing real-time updates on service availability, and ensuring secure and confidential handling of survivors' information.

We start by developing the desktop and mobile application, designed to be user-friendly and match survivors with the most appropriate services based on their needs. In the process of the app development, we have onboarded 114 service providers—and will continue to add more—to build the network that can update their availability in real-time. Ensuring data security is another critical activity, where we implement strict cybersecurity measures to protect the personal information of survivors.

The immediate outputs of these activities include enhanced accessibility, allowing survivors to quickly and easily find and access support services, thus reducing the time and effort needed to seek help. Real-time information from service providers ensures that survivors receive timely assistance. Additionally, secure data handling builds trust, as survivors can be confident that their personal information is protected.

In the longer term, our solution leads to several key outcomes. First, it improves the safety and well-being of survivors by enabling them to access essential services such as safe housing, educational/vocational support, case management assistance, and mental health support more efficiently, leading to better recovery outcomes. It also reduces the risk of re-exploitation by providing immediate access to support and empowering survivors to take control of their recovery journey, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-determination. Finally, the solution strengthens the support network by allowing service providers to operate more efficiently, collaborate more effectively, and provide comprehensive care to survivors.

The evidence supporting our theory of change includes research on immediate access to services, which shows that timely access is crucial for recovery and avoiding re-trafficking. Feedback from survivors highlights the importance of confidentiality, ease of access, and personalized matching of services, all of which are integral features of our app. Data from our current manual referral system indicates a high demand for real-time updates and efficient matching of services, validating the need for our automated solution.

By linking these activities, outputs, and outcomes, our solution creates a clear pathway to impact. Enhanced accessibility, real-time information, and secure data handling lead directly to improved safety, reduced risk of re-exploitation, and empowered survivors. The evidence supporting these links, including third-party research and direct feedback from our target population, reinforces the strength and validity of our theory of change. Through this systematic approach, we are confident that our solution will significantly impact the lives of human trafficking survivors, providing them with the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives.

Our impact goals for the solution focus on providing immediate and effective support for survivors of human trafficking. Our primary goal is to ensure that survivors have rapid access to critical resources and services, enhancing their safety and well-being. We aim to transform the support landscape for trafficking survivors by making it more responsive and accessible, ultimately improving their chances of recovery and reintegration into society.

To measure progress towards our impact goals, we track several specific indicators:

1. Number of Survivors Reached: We aim to significantly increase the number of survivors who use our app to find and access services. We track the number of active users on the platform and the number of referrals made through the app.

2. Response Time: A critical measure of our success is the time it takes for survivors to receive support after a referral is made. We monitor the average response time from service providers once a referral is submitted, aiming to reduce this time continuously.

3. Service Availability and Utilization: We track the availability of services in real-time and the extent to which they are utilized by survivors. This includes monitoring bed occupancy rates in shelters, the number of support service appointments made, and legal services accessed through the app.

4. User Satisfaction and Feedback: Collecting feedback from survivors and service providers is crucial for continuous improvement. We conduct regular surveys and gather testimonials to gauge user satisfaction and identify areas for enhancement.

5. Expansion and Scalability: We measure the growth of our network by tracking the number of new service providers joining the platform and the geographical coverage of our services. Our goal is to have a robust network of providers across the United States to ensure comprehensive support for survivors wherever they are.

6. Data Security and Privacy Compliance: Ensuring the safety of survivors' personal information is paramount. We conduct regular audits and monitor compliance with our cybersecurity policies to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access.

Progress towards these goals is reviewed regularly through data analytics and user feedback. By continually assessing these indicators, we ensure that our solution remains effective, responsive, and aligned with the needs of survivors. This systematic approach enables us to make informed decisions, adapt to emerging challenges, and ultimately achieve our mission of transforming the support system for human trafficking survivors.

Our core technology involves the development of a software application for both desktop and mobile use, designed to function like an Airbnb-type system. This system is specifically tailored to match trafficking survivors with service providers that meet their unique needs and preferences. The software leverages real-time data to facilitate immediate access to critical resources for survivors.

Our technology applies evidence-based knowledge and modern software capabilities to address the urgent need for a reliable and efficient referral system for trafficking survivors. This innovative approach not only transforms how survivors find support but also empowers service providers to offer more responsive and effective care, ultimately fostering a more supportive and resilient network for those in need.

Full-time staff: 3

Contractors: 2-3 

We have been working on this solution for over one year. The prototype, TIRA, was in concept form prior to that and we are looking forward to building out this new solution after seeing the success and potential through our prototype.

We ensure that our team is diverse, minimize barriers to opportunity for staff, and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members through several key practices. First, we actively recruit employees from a range of backgrounds and communities, recognizing that diversity brings valuable perspectives and ideas to our work. Our recruitment process is designed to identify and attract talent from diverse settings.

We foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture by promoting open communication, mutual respect, and teamwork. Our policies and practices are rooted in the belief that every individual has inherent value and human dignity and should be treated with respect. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To minimize barriers to opportunity, we provide our staff with access to professional development, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities. We offer flexible work arrangements and accommodations to support employees' diverse needs, including those related to disability, family responsibilities, and personal circumstances. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. Additionally, we continuously evaluate and improve our practices. This includes quarterly anonymous surveys to gather feedback from staff and use it to make meaningful changes that enhance our workplace culture. 

By maintaining these practices, we continually work to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Our business model at Atlas Free is designed to put sex trafficking out of business by building a global movement that unites various stakeholders in a strategic, holistic plan. As a nonprofit, we collaborate with over 40 local organizations across 26 countries, focusing on accelerating frontline solutions and creating resources and tools to enhance our impact in the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation. In the next year we will double the size of the network as we launch new resources, opportunities, and support offered to network members. 

We are solution-agnostic, meaning we connect funders, adventurers, and everyday people with the best local experts in the world to address sex trafficking comprehensively. Our business model includes:

1. Donations and Grants: We rely on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Each donation supports over 220 local and global programs that encompass aftercare, outreach, policy and advocacy, intervention, and more. We actively seek grants from foundations dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.

2. Strategic Partnerships: We establish strategic partnerships with organizations that share our mission. These partnerships amplify our collective impact in the fight.

3. Awareness and Advocacy: A significant part of our model involves raising awareness to turn indifference into activism. We advocate for global legal frameworks condemning trafficking, pushing for effective implementation of existing laws, protecting victims, prosecuting offenders, and combating corruption. We also have a robost fundraising community who use their passions to raise awareness and funds with Atlas Free in the fight against trafficking. This community has raised over half a million dollars each year towards the work.

4. Comprehensive Programs: Our efforts span the entire spectrum of combating sex trafficking, focusing on prevention, education, cultural change, outreach, rescue, victim services, and survivor empowerment. We provide comprehensive victim services, including case management, educational and vocational services, long-term and short-term housing, legal, mental health, and substance use disorder services, ensuring survivors can transition to safety and recovery. 

5. Operational Efficiency and Empowerment: We prioritize creating a collaborative and inclusive work culture, ensuring our team is diverse and minimizing barriers to opportunity for staff. This inclusive environment allows us to leverage a wide range of perspectives and expertise, enhancing our ability to combat sex trafficking effectively.

Through these efforts, we ensure that each donation and partnership directly contributes to empowering people to live a life of independence and hope. Our business model revolves around strategic coordination, holistic engagement, and impactful action across multiple fronts to effectively combat this complex issue.

Over the past 12 years, Atlas Free has shown a strong track record for being financially sustainable. We think like investors, understanding that every dollar counts. Our diverse streams of funding include Corporate Giving, Organizational Giving, Event Income, Foundation Grants, and Individual Giving, which provides us with a stable and multifaceted financial base. This diversified funding strategy ensures we are not overly reliant on a single source of income, thereby enhancing our financial resilience.

Every year, we undergo an independent financial audit to maintain transparency and accountability. We voluntarily work with multiple charity accrediting agencies, consistently receiving their highest levels of certification. Our accreditation from organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, ECFA, Excellence in Giving, Candid, and Charity Navigator attests to our commitment to excellence and integrity.

To date, this approach has proven successful. Atlas Free, as an accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has managed to sustain and expand our operations, supporting over 220 local and global programs. Our consistent high ratings from charity accrediting agencies further demonstrate our financial health and effective use of resources. Through our strategic financial management and diverse funding streams, we have created a solid foundation that supports our mission and allows us to scale our impact sustainably. To read more about our financial approach or view our yearly audits and 990s you can view our website: https://www.atlasfree.org/our-finances