In this episode, Philip interviews Laura Weatherly, the Hope Court coordinator for the Chatham County Juvenile Court System. They discuss the work of Hope Court in serving minor victims of human trafficking and providing support and resources to help them recover and build a brighter future. Laura shares her background and passion for victim services, as well as the goals and approach of Hope Court. They also discuss the importance of a trauma-informed approach in the juvenile justice system and the need for diversion and support rather than punitive measures. Hope Court is a specialized court program in Chatham County that focuses on helping child victims of trafficking. The court system is designed to prioritize the safety and well-being of the children and build trust with them. The court proceedings are tailored to be less intimidating and more supportive for the children. The parents are encouraged to be involved in the process, and the court works towards reunification and providing support to the families. The three phases of the program focus on safety, independence, and helping the children achieve their goals. The biggest challenge in advancing Hope Court's mission is the lack of education in the community about trafficking and the misconceptions surrounding it. Despite the challenges, the Hope Court team stays hopeful by celebrating small victories and supporting each other. The advice for listeners is to give grace and kindness to others and to support organizations like Tharros Place, a residential treatment program for trafficked youth.

Takeaways

• Hope Court is an organization that serves minor victims of human trafficking in the Chatham County Juvenile Court System.
• The goal of Hope Court is to provide support and resources to help these victims recover and build a brighter future.
• The court takes a trauma-informed approach and aims to divert these children out of the system and into a life they want to lead.
• Hope Court works with a multidisciplinary team to meet the goals of the children and provide the necessary support and interventions.
• The court follows a trust-based relational interventions approach to build connections with the children and help them achieve their goals. Hope Court prioritizes the safety and well-being of child victims of trafficking and aims to build trust with them.
• Parents are encouraged to be involved in the court proceedings, and the court works towards reunification and providing support to families.
• The three phases of the program focus on safety, independence, and helping the children achieve their goals.
• The lack of education in the community about trafficking is a major challenge in advancing Hope Court's mission.
• Celebrating small victories and supporting each other helps the Hope Court team stay hopeful.
• Listeners can support organizations like Tharros Place, a residential treatment program for trafficked youth, and practice grace and kindness towards others.