Is family counseling always required for trafficking victim services?

• A. Yes, always
• B. No, never
• C. Yes, as appropriate
• D. Only if requested by family

Answer: (C)

Trafficking victim services are planned around each survivor’s unique situation, safety, and goals. Family counseling is not a universal requirement; it’s offered when it can help the survivor and is appropriate to their circumstances. A trauma‑informed assessment considers factors like safety, autonomy, the survivor’s consent, age, and whether family involvement would support healing or, conversely, cause harm or retraumatization. If the assessment supports it and the survivor approves, including family counseling can be beneficial. If not, services can proceed without it while still addressing the survivor’s needs through other supports.