Leading the Charge in Child Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Efforts
Dear friends,
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. While the term human trafficking has gained much more awareness in the past few years, there is still confusion around the term and many people aren’t aware of the growing statistics happening right here in the U.S. and Texas. According to the U.S. Department of State, “trafficking in persons,” “human trafficking,” and “modern slavery” are umbrella terms – often used interchangeably – to refer to a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex. The two primary forms of human trafficking in the United States are forced labor and sex trafficking. Research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals that at least 79,000 youth in Texas have been victims of sex trafficking.
Due to the circumstances of out-of-home placements, youth in the child welfare system are often the targets of sex traffickers. Youth experiencing homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, neglect, physical violence, sexual abuse and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system are also at greater risk of trafficking and exploitation. The previously mentioned University of Texas study estimated that 25% of youth in foster care are considered at risk of becoming victims of trafficking. Furthermore, the National Foster Youth Institute estimates up to 60% of child sex trafficking victims are or have been in foster care. Other national studies have put that number anywhere from 25% to 90% — a glaring testament to how this devastating public health and social justice issue continues to grow.
In addition to youth in the child welfare system being at higher risk, data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline in 2019 stated that Texas ranked second in reported cases of child trafficking. There are many factors to consider, such as Texas having one of the largest state highway systems in the country, making it a prime location for traffickers.
While the statistics are daunting, Texas CASA and the CASA network are leading the charge in supporting prevention and awareness efforts. Texas CASA developed the CASA Anti-Child Trafficking framework known as CASA ACTs in order to provide resources, training and coordination of services. As essential advocates for these highly vulnerable youth, CASA must do more than “see something, say something.” We must ACT.
Through the CASA ACT initiative, Texas CASA aims to give specialized support to the local CASA programs in order to ensure their CASA volunteers are well-trained, connected and prepared to advocate for the specialized needs of youth who have been trafficked, as well as early identification of trafficking victims. From recognition of at-risk children and youth to advocacy for young survivors, CASA volunteers can take concrete action. With consistent supportive intervention, victims of child sex trafficking can begin to heal.
Texas CASA recognizes that to be effective in the fight against trafficking, CASA volunteers, staff and supporters must all better understand the scope, risks and context of human trafficking among youth in their care. To help further understanding and education on these topics, we put together a few resources that are useful for the general public, CASA volunteers, CASA staff and more:
- Texas CASA ACTs Learning Hub
- U.S. Department of Education Human Trafficking Fact Sheet
- Child Welfare Information Gateway – Identifying Human Trafficking
- Federal Survey of Youth Currently and Formerly in Foster Care at Risk for Human Trafficking: Findings Report 2022
- All Children All Families – To Prevent Trafficking, Build Healthy Relationships with Young People
- Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas – Trainings on Human Trafficking
- Advocacy for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Course for CASA Volunteers
- The Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Identification Tool (CSE-IT) Overview
- Upcoming CSE-IT Training Sign Up for CASA Staff
The CASA ACT initiative has already made significant strides in strengthening the network’s understanding of trafficking and commercial exploitation, and we are ready to continue those efforts into 2024. We are honored to share that in September 2023, Texas CASA was awarded a $48,000 grant from the Texas Office of the Governor – Criminal Justice Division (CJD) to strengthen the CASA ACT framework. The award will be used to:
- Support the contract of Rhonda Kuykendall, Anti-Child Trafficking Consultant for Texas CASA, who will support resource development to inform advocacy specific for survivors of child trafficking; and will support local programs to be engaged in anti-child trafficking work and efforts in their communities.
- To further develop CASA ACT materials to inform advocacy specific for survivors of child trafficking.
- To create online training videos and/or other resources for survivor-centered advocacy tailored to survivors of child trafficking.
Texas CASA is thrilled to have the opportunity to advance and strengthen this important work and deeply thankful for the Texas Office of the Governor – Criminal Justice Division (CJD) and their noteworthy support of the CASA Anti-Child Trafficking framework. This new opportunity would not have been possible without the tremendous work of the local CASA programs, as well as our dedicated supporters. We are deeply grateful for your passion and commitment to creating a safe and positive future for all Texas children and families. Together, we will build a better world for all children and youth.
Warmly,
