The Regional Navigator Program is Maryland’s coordinated response system for identifying and supporting youth who may be victims of human trafficking or at risk of exploitation. Regional Navigators serve as the central point of contact in their community. They help identify concerns early and connect youth and families with the services and support they need for safety, healing, and stability. Every county in Maryland now has access to a Regional Navigator who specializes in trafficking response and collaboration across agencies.

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History of the program

The Regional Navigator Program was created in 2019 through Maryland’s Child Sex Trafficking Screening and Services Act. The law requires law enforcement and department of social services to notify a Regional Navigator when they believe a child may be a victim of trafficking. The program started with a small number of pilot locations and then grew each year until every jurisdiction in Maryland had access to Navigator services. In 2024 the program expanded further to include labor trafficking concerns for children ensuring that youth are protected no matter what form of exploitation they experience. 

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Who does the program support?

The Regional Navigator Program is designed to serve youth and young adults under the age of 24 who are:
• Confirmed or suspected victims of sex or labor trafficking
• At risk of trafficking due to vulnerabilities such as abuse or housing instability
• Impacted by exploitation across multiple counties or jurisdictions

Navigators can also be a supportive resource for individuals outside that age range to help connect them with the right services or local partners. Parents and caregivers can receive help as they navigate complex systems and safety planning for their child.

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Children targeted by traffickers often move through many systems such as schools, law enforcement, child welfare, health care, and community settings. Without strong coordination important signs can be missed.

The Regional Navigator Program ensures:
• Immediate safety planning and crisis response
• Trauma informed services tailored to each youth
• Clear communication between agencies and partners
• Support for professionals to recognize trafficking locally
• Prevention through early identification and fast connection to services

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How do referrals work?

Anyone can make a referral including schools, hospitals, law enforcement, child welfare, service providers, and community members. Regional Navigators respond quickly, gather information about safety, and begin coordinating a support plan designed around the youth and family. Even if trafficking is not confirmed the youth may still qualify for support based on risk factors and vulnerabilities.

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What do Navigators do?

• Coordinate multidisciplinary response meetings
• Build and maintain partnerships with schools DSS CACs law enforcement health providers and community agencies
• Provide ongoing case support and advocacy for youth and families
• Offer training to community partners on identification and response
• Share information to strengthen statewide and regional coordination