When the existing 20,000 square foot building is fully renovated the campus will provide an ideal location for a comprehensive program of trauma recovery and preparation for reintegration into the community. The Pearl Haven program is being designed to meet the unique needs of victims (ages 11-17) who have been sexually abused and exploited. With an initial census of 8- 12 residents, Pearl Haven will eventually have a capacity to serve up to 32 underage victims. In addition to the required State of Hawaii Department of Health special treatment facility license, the program will seek national accreditation. This specialized facility will be among the first of its kind in the United States and will accept applicants from all islands and from across the country.

The Importance of Individualized Comprehensive Care

Recovery from severe trauma requires a comprehensive and holistic approach to healing. A comprehensive assessment of each girlʻs physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, educational, social and reintegration needs will be completed as part of the admission process. Each girl, and her family when appropriate, participate in the development of a comprehensive, individualized trauma recovery plan.

Based on research and emerging best practices in trauma recovery and specific intervention with sexually exploited adolescents, the range of interventions which may be incorporated into the individualized plan include group, individual and family therapy as well as adjunct therapies including equine, art, dance and music therapy, gardening therapy, health care, educational assessment and individualized learning plans, activities of daily living, and cultural learning activities. The Pearl Haven Program will be designed to equip residents with the coping skills, life skills, and education, needed for successful reintegration into their community. Transition and reintegration planning will be important elements of the program, including linking girls and their families with community partners whose services will support their successful recovery and reintegration.

The direct impact on exploited girls

When a girl walks into Pearl Haven, she begins restorative trauma therapy designed for sexually trafficked girls. She receives a comprehensive array of sex trafficking specific programming and services that include individual and group therapy, clinical care, spiritual services, and family therapy. At Pearl Haven she learns critical life skills that include academic education, personal care and protection, interpersonal skills, music, and art. There is a training kitchen and movement studio where she can learn how to cook and dance. Our program helps her develop self-value. She now believes she can achieve her goals and dreams, and embraces the value and meaning of her life. She is able to stay with us for up to 2 years.

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