June 2019
Spotlight:
CATE Membership Coordinator
Lauren Masten, MSW
Lauren Masten was a practicum student at Healing Action from August 2018 to May 2019. On May 18th, she graduated from Saint Louis University with her Masters in Social Work. In her time at Healing Action, Lauren helped research and draft organizational policies, facilitated an evaluation of organizational readiness for vicarious trauma, conducted a staff workshop on organizational response to vicarious trauma and assisted in some operations work for CATE. We are pleased that Lauren is going to continue to work with Healing Action as the Membership Coordinator for CATE!   
Coalition Updates
Staff Changes:
CATE is undergoing staff changes to better serve the coalition and it's membership. Rest assured, this has not disrupted our progress and growth. Continue to contact us at organizer@mocate.org for information and training. We look forward to introducing you to our incoming team members!
Attorney General's Office Transfer:
Under the new administration, The Missouri Attorney General's Office has reorganized their anti-human trafficking efforts. Moving forward, resources will continue to improve outcomes for identification, investigation and prosecution within the law enforcement field however the Attorney General's Office is taking a step back from service provision projects and activities.

MO Attorney General's Office and CATE are now partners

CATE has taken a big step towards our statewide expansion by assuming responsibility and organization of statewide service provider efforts, originally spearheaded by the Attorney General's Task Force on Human Trafficking.

We look forward to working with Emily Russell and the Attorney General's team to continue a collaborative statewide effort to end exploitation and human trafficking.

Please be patient with us as we work through general transition matters that arise.  
State Policy To Watch
* Modifies the offense and penalties of promoting prostitution
* Adds offense related to owning, managing, and/or operating interactive computer services that promote the prostitution of another and defines penalties for doing so
* Current Update:
  • 05/02/2019 - Senate Third Read and Passed
  • 05/09/2019 - Voted Do Pass by House Judiciary and Referred to H Rules

* Establishes and defines human trafficking reporting training requirements for service industry employees
* Current Update:
  • 03/11/2019 Action Postponed  

* Modifies provisions regarding the protection of children from sex trafficking
* Repeals sections requiring children under 18 to be acting “under the coercion of an agent at the time of the offense charged” and related text
* Modifies and expands definitions of criminal activity related to child sex
*Current Update:
  • 05/14/2019 - House Third Read and Passed and Emergency Clause Adopted
  • 05/16/2019 - Senate Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed and Emergency Clause Adopted

* Removes language requiring a minor to be acting under “coercion” in order to be exempt from prosecution of prostitution charges. Replaces it with language stating that any person under the age of 18 who has engaged in prostitution acts is exempt from prosecution.
*Current Update
  • 05/6/2019 HCS#2 Reported Do Pass  

HB334 (Rep. Nate Tate) - Custody Provisions
*Prohibits children from being placed in the custody of individuals who have been found guilty of the offense of sexual trafficking of a child in the first degree.
*Current Update:
  • No Updates

For more information on the above policies, click on the links embedded in the bill titles or visit:
Federal Policy To Watch
Representative Ann Wagner recently cosponsored a bill that passed in the House. This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the use of virtual currencies and online marketplaces in sex and drug trafficking. The GAO must study topics including
* how illicit proceeds are transferred into the U.S. banking system,
* state and non-state actors that participate in such activity,
* preventative efforts from federal and state agencies, and
* the extent to which the unique characteristics of virtual currencies can contribute to the tracking and prosecution of illicit funding.
*Current Update:
  • No Updates
Upcoming Dates
Community Network Quarterly Meetings 
June 27, 2019
Time: 9:15am-10:45am
Location: Buder Branch Library
4401 Hampton Ave
St. Louis, MO 63109
October 3, 2019
Time: 9:15am-10:45am
Location: Buder Branch Library
 4401 Hampton Ave
  St. Louis, MO 63109
SAVE THE DATE - Fall "What Would It Take?" Conference
Date: October 10, 2019
2017 Chouteau Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103
The first "What Would It Take?" Conference held on May 2, 2019 was a huge success. Please mark your calendars for the Fall Conference on October 10, 2019.

This event will focus on addressing the gaps in service provision with victims of trafficking and complex trauma as it pertains to diversity and inclusion.

Keep an eye out for the Eventbrite link coming soon!
Visit our website at www.mocate.org for more updates and information.
Coalition Against Trafficking and Exploitation
314.833.4515
organizer@mocate.org