Asking for help
1)
During UAC Assessment on 08/07/2018 at approximately 11:00 a.m., the minor reported that she started to work at a bakery in Honduras in 2016 when she was 15 years old. The minor dropped out of school in 2015. The minor stated that she discontinued school because she wanted to be economically independent. The minor denied being forced or coerced to work. It took the minor 20 minutes by bus to get to the bakery where she worked. The minor worked as a cashier from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the minor was also required to clean the bakery afterwards. The minor was paid 900 Lempiras each month.
Staff Response and Intervention The clinician validated the minor’s story and explored her feelings around dropping out of school. The clinician explored the minor’s feelings of dropping out of school and wanting to be independent. The clinician provided a safe space for the minor to
express herself and conveyed empathy.
Follow-up and/or Resolution: The clinician will continue gather information provided by the minor for further assessment. Clinician will provide psychoeducation on labor law for the minor informing the minor that working underage is not allowed here in the US. The minor’s feelings of not being able to work in the US should be validated and explored.
Recommendations: CL will continue to provide minor with information regarding labor laws and address the minor’s related emotions.
2)
During UAC assessment on 08/07/18 at approximately 11:20 a.m., UC reported father abandonment in COO prior to travel to US. UC reported biological father abandonment happened before the minor was born. The minor’s mother was not married to the minor’s father when pregnant with the minor, and the minor’s father abandoned the minor before she was born. The minor found out who her father was through family members, but the minor’s father does not acknowledge the minor as his child. The minor reported feeling normal and apathetic about the father abandonment.
Staff Response and Intervention The clinician validated the minor’s story and explored her feelings around dropping out of school. The clinician explored the minor’s feelings of dropping out of school and wanting to be independent. The clinician provided a safe space for the minor to
express herself and conveyed empathy.
Follow-up and/or Resolution: The clinician will continue gather information provided by the minor for further assessment. Clinician will provide psychoeducation on labor law for the minor informing the minor that working underage is not allowed here in the US. The minor’s feelings of not being able to work in the US should be validated and explored.
Recommendations: CL will continue to provide minor with information regarding labor laws and address the minor’s related emotions.
3)
During a session on 8/7/18, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the minor reported that she is biologically born male, and she identifies as a female. Minor reported being sexually active since the age of 15. Minor denied being forced into sexual activity in COO. The minor reported sexually attracted to males. The minor reported had 8 male sexual partners since the age of 15.
The minor stated that protection was used except two occasions. The minor denied any sexual transmitted disease. The minor denied any harassment regarding her gender identity or sexual orientation. The minor denied any sexual abuse.
Staff Response and Intervention The clinician confirmed the minor’s gender identity and sexual orientation and utilized the proper gender pronounce. The clinician provided the minor a safe space and validated the minor’s feelings of exclusion as being the minority in COO. The clinician screened potential abuse.
Follow-up and/or Resolution: Clinician will provide psycho-education towards staff and minor on gender identity and sexual orientation. The clinician will further explore and assist minor to process feelings about gender identity. The clinician will provide psycho-education on violence, abuse and self-protection in transgender relationships.
Recommendations: The minor can benefit from individual counseling regarding her gender identity and sexual orientation. In addition, minor would benefit from education about self-advocacy skills.
4)
On 08/10/2018 at 12:23 pm, via Whatsapp, the minors mother reported that she is being threatened by "bad people". They are telling her that they will find the minors. The "bad people" are located in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.When the mother and minors previously traveled from Honduras to the United States, they wanted the minors to traffic drugs into the U.S.
Staff Response and Intervention Case Manager provided emotional support through active listening.
Follow-up and/or Resolution: Clinician and case manager will continue to gather information about the incident by speaking to the minors.
Recommendations: Trauma Focused psychotherapy to address the emotional impact of the event during and after discharge.
5)
During session on 08/20/2018, the minor reported that she consumed marihuana in COO. Minor reported that she consumed a joint of marihuana almost every day starting at the age of 15. Minor stated that the last time she consumed was about 1 month ago before crossing the border. The minor got to know marihuana at the age of 14, and consumed it for the first time when the minor was 15. The minor denied being forced to consume marihuana. The minor stated that she got easy access to marihuana at the price of 50 cents per joint from dealers on the street. The minor stated that she consumed half a joint in the morning after got up and the other half before bed. The minor denied feeling addicted to marihuana, and stated that marihuana brought him positive changes in mood and mind. The minor stopped consuming marihuana half a year ago due to lack of financial abilities and denied any withdrawal symptoms.
Staff Response and Intervention The CL acknowledged the minor’s story and provided a judgement-free space to share her story. CL validated the minor’s perception on marihuana and provided the minor with information regarding substance use law the US. CL encouraged the
minor to seek other coping mechanism, and clarified boundaries and rules in the program.
Follow-up and/or Resolution: The CL will continue gathering information provided by minor. CL will provide the minor with psycho-education on substance use and its impact on human neurotransmitters and brain. CL will inform the minor of other dangers as a result of addictive
behaviors. CL will continue to provide laws regarding substance use in the US. The minor will be evaluated for substance abuse by specialist.
Recommendations: The minor will benefit from coping skills building.
Addendum
During session on 08/20/2018, the minor reported that she consumed marihuana in COO. Minor reported that she consumed a joint of marihuana almost every day starting at the age of 15. Minor stated that the last time she consumed was about 1 month ago before crossing the border. The minor got to know marihuana at the age of 14, and consumed it for the first time when the minor was 15. The minor denied being forced to consume marihuana. The minor stated that she got easy access to marihuana at the price of 50 cents per joint from dealers on the street. The minor stated that she consumed half a joint in the morning after got up and the other half before bed. The minor denied feeling addicted to marihuana, and stated that marihuana brought him positive changes in mood and mind. The minor stopped consuming marihuana half a year ago due to lack of financial abilities and denied any withdrawal symptoms.
Staff Response and Intervention The CL acknowledged the minor’s story and provided a judgement-free space to share her story. CL validated the minor’s perception on marihuana and provided the minor with information regarding substance use law the US. CL encouraged the minor to seek other coping mechanism, and clarified boundaries and rules in the program.
Follow-up and/or Resolution: The CL will continue gathering information provided by minor. CL will provide the minor with psycho-education on substance use and its impact on human neurotransmitters and brain. CL will inform the minor of other dangers as a result of addictive
behaviors. CL will continue to provide laws regarding substance use in the US. The minor will be evaluated for substance abuse by specialist.
Recommendations: The minor will benefit from coping skills building.
6)
On 08/19/2018 at 9:52 pm, via a Whatsapp phone call, the minors mother reported that the minor's aunt, who currently resides in NY, has tried to sell her to men in the past. Mother stated that for this reason she does not want her to be the sponsor of her children. She also stated that she does not trust the minor's aunt and does not want her children to be around the aunt. The only person she trusts to be with her children is their current sponsor, Juan Carlos Aguilar.
Staff Response and Intervention Case Manager provided emotional support through active listening.
Follow-up and/or Resolution: Clinician and case manager will continue to gather information
about the incident by speaking to the minors and their mother.
Recommendations: Trauma Focused psychotherapy to address the emotional impact of the event during and after discharge.
7)
On 08/29/18 at around 2:00 pm, after finishing a phone call, the minor was hit on the head by his brother.
Staff Response and Intervention Case Manager checked both minors physical well being and no marks or bruises were present. CM reminded minor of the no-violence policy.
Follow-up and/or Resolution: Clinician and case manager will follow up and speak to minor about no-violence policy.
Recommendations: CL will follow up.
8)
On 09/04/2018, minor reported engaging in commercial sex at the age of 15 in COO. Minor denied being forced to provide sexual service, but disclosed that she had to do so to satisfy her material needs. Minor denied any abuse or injuries resulted from her work. Minor stated that protection was used. Minor reported that her family was aware of the sexual service that she
provided and felt neutral. When the minor was 15 years old, she met a man when she was selling cotton candy. The man bought the minor food in exchange for sexual conduct. The man promised the minor a computer if their sexual relationship continues, and their relationship lasted for a month. Minor stated that she was introduced to commercial sex by a 24-year-old friend who herself was a prostitute. Minor reported that her friend told her the rules and helped her to dress up. Minor worked on the street 2 nights a week and had 3-4 customers on average every night. Minor was paid 25 dollars per hour for oral sex and intercourse and 10 dollars per 30 minutes for oral sex. Minor was brought to a hostel to perform sexual service. Minor reported that she was able to keep all the money she earned to buy herself food, clothing, and makeup. Minor reported that
the last time that she engaged in commercial sex was July 2018 in Honduras. Minor denied using any substance while performing sexual service. Minor reported that the experience of transvestite helped her to explore her gender identity. Minor was calm to share her experience and denied feelings of guilt or shame engaging in commercial sex.
Staff Response and Intervention The CL acknowledged the minor’s statement and provided a judgement-free space to share her experience. CL validated the minor’s emotions, provided emotional support, and reassured the minor’s safety. CL stressed the minor’s resilience and
empowered the minor to move forward.
Follow-up and/or Resolution: CL will further explore the impact of this experience on minor’s functioning. CL will continue exploring and building minor’s coping skills regarding stigma and violence which minor were exposed to. O-TIP referral will be made.
Recommendations: Minor will benefit from individual therapy regarding minor’s experience of sex work. Minor will benefit from education on violence, abuse and self-protection in sexual relationships.
9)
During session on 09/06/2018, the minor reported that she consumed marijuana cigarette in her bedroom in FH. Minor reported that she found a used marijuana cigarette on the side walk near FH and smoked the cigarette during night time. FP were in their bedroom and were not aware of this incident. Minor’s brother disclosed that he smelled marijuana after shower at around 9 p.m. last Tuesday, 08/28/2018. Minor’s sister was asleep and was not aware of it. Minor reported that she was hesitant to smoke the marijuana cigarette that she found, but she failed to resist the temptation. Minor reported feeling euphoric after consuming the cigarette. Minor denied feeling unwell afterwards. Minor denied possessing any marijuana and reported feeling guilty for her behavior.
Staff Response and Intervention The CL acknowledged the minor’s story and provided a judgement-free space to share her story. CL validated the minor’s perception on marihuana and provided the minor with information regarding substance use law the US. CL stressed the rules
while the minor was in care and validated her remorse.
Follow-up and/or Resolution: CL will contact FP regarding the incident. CL will provide the minor with psycho-education on substance use and its impact on human neurotransmitters and brain. CL will inform the minor of dangers consuming used drugs on the street. CL will continue
to provide laws regarding substance use in the US.
Recommendations: The minor will benefit from coping skills building and distress tolerance skills training.
Mental Health
The minor displayed feminine mannerism and disclosed her gender identity (biological male who identifies as female) and sexual orientation (attracted to male). The minor identifies as transgender, and was secure and confident about her gender identity and expression.
The minor reported adjusting well to the program, while disclosed desires to be able to make his own decisions regarding how to spend a day. The minor disclosed apathy towards her biological father, and stated that she connects better with females.
Minor disclosed consuming marijuana in COO starting at the age of 15. Minor consumed a joint of marijuana almost every and the last time she consumed was about 1 month ago on the same day that she crossed the border. The minor denied being forced to consume marijuana. The minor stated that she got easy access to marijuana at the price of 50 cents per joint from dealers on the street. The minor stated that she consumed half a joint in the morning after got up and the other half before bed. The minor denied feeling addicted to marijuana, and stated that marijuana brought him positive changes in mood and mind. The minor stopped consuming marijuana half a year ago due to lack of financial abilities and denied any withdrawal symptoms. Minor reported feeling frustrated regarding her brother's mis-behaviors. Minor reported confusion regarding her sexual orientation. Minor disclosed that she found herself attracted by biological males and females. Minor denied having sexual activity with females. CL normalized minor’s feelings, showed/explained to the minor Gender Unicorn and Genderbread Man, and provided psycho-education on gender identity, sexual orientation and gender expression. Minor reported engaging in commercial sex at the age of 15. Minor denied any abuse or injuries as a result of sexual services that she provided. Minor reported that the experience of transvestite helped her to explore her gender identity. Minor was calm to share her experience and denied feelings of guilt or shame engaging in commercial sex.
Cayuga recommends an ORR TVPRA home study, due to the minor disclosing to her clinician on 09/04/2018, that she was engaging in commercial sex at the age of 15 in COO. The minor denied being forced to provide sexual service, but disclosed that she had to do so to satisfy her material needs. She also denied any abuse or injuries resulted from her work. The minor also reported that her family was aware of the sexual service that she provided and felt neutral. As per ORR guidelines, ORR requires a TVPRA home study for children who are possible victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons.
· This is a CAT 3 Case. It is a new case so I am still assessing. Minors traveled by train from COO (Honduras) to the US in 19 days. So far I have received the mother and minor’s birth certificates, mother’s ID, Sponsor ID, sponsor proof of address, and images that proof the sponsor’s relationship with the minors. Sponsor is the minor’s mother boyfriend. Sponsor is currently residing in Haltom City, Texas. CC told CM to flag case to catholic charities, and to try to contact their political aunt so that she can maybe be the sponsor. (8.8.18)
· FRP was received on 08/13/18. Sponsor says that his daughter will be the backup sponsor; however I am still waiting for her confirmation. Still missing 317 forms from back up sponsor, and household member. ID of back up sponsor, and proof of income are still pending. There was an SIR on 8/10/18 on threats that were made to the minors mother by bad people in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. CC told CM to find out if mother was on the lease of sponsor’s house when they lived in the U.S., if the sponsor’s kids are in school, and to get more proof of relationship between the sponsor and minors. (8.15.18)
· Fingerprint appointment scheduled for 09/11/18. Designation letter is still pending. Pending disposition letter from back up sponsor. As of now we are currently working on submitting home study referral for Lurvin and are still figuring out if Juan Carlos and Nelson will require a home study as well or will be PRS. There are new SIRs for Juan Carlos. CC told CM that a disposition letter is not needed for back up sponsor only an explanation. CC also told CM to wait until results come back from Nelson’s exam to determine whether or not a discretionary home study will be conducted.(08/29/18)
· Fingerprint appointment scheduled for 09/11/18. Designation letter is still pending. Pending letter of explanation from back up sponsor. CA/N check and home studies are still pending. (09/06/18)
· Sponsors and household members did not attend fingerprint appointment. Currently waiting on a response from the site for the new appointment date. Designation letter is still pending. Pending letter of explanation from back up sponsor. CA/N check and home studies are still pending.(09/12/18)
· Waiting for sponsor and household member to get fingerprinted. Designation letter is still pending. CA/N check and home studies are still pending. Back up sponsor backed out. New back up sponsor is current household member and niece of sponsor. Nelson is now continuing her hormone therapy starting on 09/20/18. CC told CM to forward addendum to OTIP, and also to set a deadline with sponsor to get fingerprinted. (09/19/18)
· HS was picked up on 09/21/18. CA/N check is still pending. Designation letter is pending. Waiting for sponsor and household member to get fingerprinted. Pending new backup sponsor.(09/26/18)
· HS was conducted on 09/30/18. Pending results. CA/N check is still pending. Designation letter was received on 09/30/18. Pending fingerprint results. (10/4/18)
· HS results came back negative with recommendations for all 3 minors. CA/N check was initiated on 10/4/18. Pending necessary documentations to submit to HS addendum. Pending fingerprint results. (10/10/18)
· CA/N check results pending. Pending necessary documentations to submit to HS addendum. Pending fingerprint results for household member and sponsors. (10/17/18)
· Preparing to deny sponsor (10/24/18)
· Minor will be meeting with YC today. Waiting to receive list of resources Ali Forney would be able to provide the minor. Also waiting to be informed if Ali Forney has a bed for the minor. (10/31/18)
· Minor and CM met with Ali Forney on 11/02/18. Due to a miscommunication during the intake CM felt it was best to not finish the intake process until receiving further guidance. YC said they will speak to Ali Forney to clarify the situation. They also stated that they feel this is the best option for the minor, and that if not then they have other options on standby. (11/7/18)