Operation Help

Brief Description

Operation Help is an outreach service that specializes in assisting people who are involved, or at risk of being involved, in sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Beginning in May 2001, Operation Help enables the sexually exploited to access immediate support for legal, health, security, spiritual, housing and relationship building needs through the use of an innovative, non-traditional, inter-agency approach with partners such as EGADZ (Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc.), Mental Health & Addictions, Saskatoon Police Service, and the Ministry of Social Services. These community organizations work together to provide immediate services to individuals in the sex trade in Saskatoon.

Goals

The main goals of Operation Help are to:

• Reduce recidivism/system generated charges;
• Promote self determination, and build empowerment; and
• Reduce sexual exploitation in Saskatoon, engender trust with clients, and shift the focus from criminalization to rehabilitation.

Clientele

Operation Help assists any individual, not limited to age or gender, who voluntarily would like to exit the sex trade lifestyle. A needs assessment is completed upon entrance to/engagement with the program, then a case plan is developed with the client. Once agreed upon, the case plan is implemented.

Core Components

Operation Help provides client outreach, client case planning, relapse prevention planning, and promotes lifestyle changes. They also help clients meet their basic needs with medical supplies, hygiene products, and transportation.

The program’s focus is a support circle concept, using positive mechanisms to encourage lifestyle changes. Social Services, Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc. (aka EGADZ), Police, Legal Aid, Court Workers, Peers, and Elders will supply resources in an effort to effect positive change in the lifestyles of the exploited.

Operation Help also hosts an Annual Day of Mourning on August 14th.

Implementation Information

Some of the critical elements for the implementation of this program or initiative include the following:

• Organizational requirements: Operation Help provides services for up to 24 clients at any time, for a minimum of 40 hours per week. They work collaboratively with other agencies to support the clients during the program.
• Partnerships: Operation Help has partnered with the Ministry of Social Services, Mental Health & Addictions, and Saskatoon Police Service.
• Training and technical assistance: The Community Safety and Well-Being Branch offers ongoing support in the areas of contract obligations, program development and support or guidance, if requested.
• Risk assessment tools: Limited information on this topic.
• Materials & resources: Limited information on this topic.

International Endorsements

The most recognized classification systems of evidence-based crime prevention programs have classified this program or initiative as follows:

• Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development: Not applicable.
• Crime Solutions/OJJDP Model Program Guide: Not applicable.
• SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices: Not applicable.
• Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy: Not applicable.

Gathering Canadian Knowledge

Canadian Implementation Sites

Operation Help began in May 2001 and operates in the city of Saskatoon.

Main Findings from Canadian Outcome Evaluation Studies

No information available.

Cost Information

Operation Help receives funding from the Ministry of Social Servicers, the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, and through fundraising efforts and donations. From April 2023 until March 2026, the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General is providing $20,460 in annual funding for the program.

References

There is no Canadian reference available at this time.

For more information on this program, contact:

Ministry of Justice

Community Safety & Well-Being

Community Innovation and Restorative Pathways

600 - 1874 Scarth Street

Regina, SK S4P 4B3

Telephone: 306-361-6911

Email: Jessica.Stanley@gov.sk.ca

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Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc.

485 1st Ave N

Saskatoon, SK S7K 1X5

Telephone: 306-931-6644

Website: https://www.egadz.ca/programs/operation-help