The Shepherd Case Management System provides a secure, streamlined way for individuals to request assistance for victims of human trafficking and to connect with victim assistance programs. It also enables individuals to access real-time status of their requests and benefit-issuing agencies to access real-time verification status of Certification, Eligibility, and Interim Assistance letters from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Requesting Assistance Through Shepherd
The Shepherd Case Management System is used to request a Certification Letter, Eligibility Letter, or case management services for survivors of trafficking. Learn more about the Request for Assistance process.
If you encounter problems loading the Shepherd website, please use our backup PDF Request for Assistance Form (PDF) to submit trafficking concerns on behalf of a foreign national child. You can password protect and email the form to our Protection Division at ChildTrafficking@acf.hhs.gov. If you are assisting an adult, contact us at Trafficking@acf.hhs.gov.
New to Using Shepherd?
- Shepherd User Guide - Adult Certification: (PDF) Provides step-by-step instructions on how to create an account, submit a Request for Assistance, and manage tasks. It covers everything from logging in to submitting new information and responding to additional requests from OTIP.
- Shepherd User Guide - Child Eligibility: (PDF) Provides step-by-step instructions on how to create an account, submit a Request for Assistance, and manage tasks. It covers everything from logging in to submitting new information and responding to additional requests from OTIP.
- RFA Instructions - Child Eligibility: (PDF) Guides users through the steps of submitting a Request for Assistance (RFA) via Shepherd. It provides a comprehensive overview of the submission process and offers detailed explanations for each section of the RFA form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shepherd secure?
Shepherd deploys multiple security mechanisms to secure its communication, data, and infrastructure. Shepherd uses HTTPS protocol to transmit data over the internet. The data transmission is completely encrypted and secured through trusted security certificates. Users log on using two-factor authentication, and documents uploaded to Shepherd are scanned for viruses and malware. ACF conducts periodic security scans to ensure that the system remains secure.
Who do I contact for help with technical issues?
Who do I contact with questions about an adult's case or the Request for Certification process?
Call OTIP’s Protection Division at 866-401-5510 or email trafficking@acf.hhs.gov. Staff are available Monday — Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, and will respond to phone calls and emails received outside these hours as soon as possible. For urgent concerns contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. For emergencies, contact 911.
Who do I contact with questions about a child's case or the Request for Assistance process?
Call OTIP’s Protection Division at 202-205-4582 or email childtrafficking@acf.hhs.gov. Specialists can discuss a potential case, offer technical assistance, and answer questions related to the child eligibility process. Specialists are available Monday — Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, and will respond to phone calls and emails received outside these hours as soon as possible. For urgent concerns contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. For emergencies, contact 911.