Professor Michael Vastine joined the faculty of St. Thomas University College of Law in 2004, where he is a tenured professor of law and Director of the Immigration Clinic. A frequent conference speaker and author, he is also a leader of the immigration bar, with extensive service within the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). From 2011-20, he was elected to serve on the AILA South Florida Chapter Board of Directors, including a term as Chair of the Chapter. Professor Vastine’s AILA national-level service includes multiple terms on the Federal Litigation Section Steering Committee, Annual Conference Planning Committee, and Amicus Curiae Committee. His impact litigation principally relates to immigration and crimes, including the lead case at the Florida Supreme Court establishing the constitutional rights of immigrant defendants to effective representation by their criminal counsel, and multiple cases at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit delineating the immigration consequences of Florida convictions involving controlled substances. Additionally, he has represented AILA and other community-based organizations, as amicus curiae counsel, in forums ranging from the Board of Immigration Appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court, in matters including the constitutional limits of indefinite detention of immigrants, the due process rights of the physically deported, and the immigration consequences of state crimes. In 2013, Professor Vastine received the AILA (National) Elmer Fried Award for Excellence in Teaching.
In the fight against the scourge of human trafficking in the United States, healthcare professionals remain on the frontlines. Research shows that up to 88% of victims of human trafficking accessed health care during their exploitation. Not only do healthcare professionals have a unique opportunity to identify victims of human trafficking, but they also play a trusted and integral role in a survivor’s mental and physical health during their involvement with the legal system, and in their healing and reintegration in the long term.
This year’s intensive online certification aims to equip those in the field with 15 advanced courses taught by leading experts. Through a pragmatic approach that moves beyond the theoretical to actual hands-on application of skills in practice, participants will gain a solid understanding of:
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Various forms of human trafficking as well as identification in a health care setting.
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Physical and mental health impacts including best practices for diagnosis and treatment through trauma-informed care.
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Laws, regulations, and ethical considerations including healthcare professionals participation in the legal process.
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Intersections in health and human trafficking such as COVID-19, opioid addiction, and trafficking of persons with disabilities.
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Survivor perspectives, multidisciplinary partnerships, and integral development as a path to healing.