General
Q: What is BRIGHT?
A: BRIGHT is a safe, secure, online referral network that connects human trafficking survivors with vetted services across the state of Florida.
Q: Who is BRIGHT for?
A: BRIGHT is for anyone who provides or searches for services for adult survivors of both sex and labor trafficking in the state of Florida.
Q: What services does BRIGHT offer?
A: BRIGHT itself does not provide direct services. Instead, it functions as a platform to connect survivors with a wide range of services offered by partner organizations. These services include care management, daily needs assistance, education, employment support, healthcare, housing, legal services, mental health resources, substance abuse treatment, support networks, and transportation.
Q: Is BRIGHT a replacement for existing anti-trafficking efforts or case managers?
A: No. BRIGHT is designed to work alongside and enhance existing anti-trafficking efforts by streamlining the process of connecting survivors with the services they need.
Q: Are there any services or resources provided to minors in BRIGHT?
A: At this time, BRIGHT is designed to serve adult survivors of both sex and labor trafficking in Florida. In the future, we aim to incorporate minor-specific services. However, if you are an organization that provides services to youth that are aging out and would like to be connected to find services for when they turn eighteen, please fill out this application.
Q: Can services be accessed for providers out of state?
A: Currently, services available on the network are available throughout the State of Florida.
Q: What languages is the platform available in?
A: Currently, BRIGHT is available in English.
Q: Is BRIGHT only available via desktop webpage or is it translatable to mobile devices?
A: BRIGHT is available to access through a secure login via a desktop webpage, and we are currently developing a mobile application that will work similarly to the desktop webpage. However, it translates easily to a tablet-style device.
Using BRIGHT
Q: How do I sign up for BRIGHT?
A: The first step to obtain a license to access the system is to fill out this brief online application.
Q: Can anyone use BRIGHT?
A: No, as BRIGHT is a secure and vetted network, you will need to undergo our vetting process to receive a license to use the system. We have two types of licenses with corresponding levels of vetting: a license to send referrals and a license to both send and receive referrals.
Q: Is there a cost to use BRIGHT?
A: No. Thanks to receiving federal funding, and state appropriations, BRIGHT is a free service for those who utilize the system .
Q: How does data privacy work within BRIGHT?
A: BRIGHT prioritizes data security and confidentiality. We do not collect or utilize any identifying information on clients for referrals made through the platform. Providers can also choose how much information about their clients they share with other organizations, ensuring compliance with relevant privacy laws. Because we have built and keep our technology in house, it is stored on our servers at USF’s HIPPA compliant servers.
Q: What happens to the data collected by BRIGHT?
A: BRIGHT is housed within USF’s Trafficking in Persons: Risk to Resilience Research Lab which was designated by Florida Governor DeSantis as the Statewide Data Repository for Anonymous Human Trafficking Data (TIPSTR). Data collected through BRIGHT is used to inform anti-trafficking efforts. This data is anonymized and aggregated, focusing on broad trends such as client demographics, requested services, and service availability. This data will help organizations and stakeholders better understand human trafficking and more strategically allocate resources.
Q: How is BRIGHT different from TIPSTR?
A: Per SB 7064, any organization or agency that receives state or federal funding is required to submit their human trafficking related client data to TIPSTR, the repository at the Trafficking in Persons Lab. BRIGHT is an accepted mechanism for organizations to submit their data to TIPSTR. If you have further questions on whether your organization falls under this requirement, contact the Project Manager Kailey Carter, kaileypate@usf.edu.
Additional Information
Q: Can I provide information about someone I suspect to be a victim of human trafficking who can benefit from services or who asked me to report on their behalf to BRIGHT?
A: No, suspected victims of trafficking should be reported to a local law enforcement agency or the National Human Trafficking Hotline (see below).
Q: Is BRIGHT affiliated with the National Human Trafficking Hotline or has a hotline feature?
A: BRIGHT is a distinct initiative from the National Human Trafficking Hotline. While we both share the goal of supporting victims of human trafficking, BRIGHT focuses on connecting survivors with services within Florida through a secure online referral network. The National Human Trafficking Hotline offers a national 24/7 crisis hotline and resources for victims, survivors, and professionals nationwide.
If you are in need of immediate help, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or call 911 if you believe someone to be in immediate danger.
Q: How can I learn more about human trafficking?
A: In addition to our website, the following resources offer more information about human trafficking:
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org/
- Department of Homeland Security: https://www.dhs.gov/topics/human-trafficking
Q: How can I get involved in the fight against human trafficking?
A: There are many ways to get involved, including volunteering with anti-trafficking organizations, raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, or making a donation. Please visit the resources listed above or contact us for more information. If you would like to donate to the Trafficking in Persons Lab, we would be most grateful.