National Human Trafficking Prevention Month 

Dear Friends,  

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time for reflection, education and action against one of the world’s most heinous crimes. Youth in the child welfare system are often the target of sex traffickers due to the circumstances of out-of-home placements. As advocates for vulnerable children and families, we play a critical role in raising awareness and fighting against human trafficking.  

Did you know that Texas holds the unenviable position of ranking second in the nation for incoming tips on child sex trafficking? The National Foster Youth Institute also 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.  

These statistics are not mere numbers; they represent lives in jeopardy, futures uncertain and innocence at risk. To battle this trajectory, Texas CASA takes proactive steps with the CASA Anti-Child Trafficking (ACT) framework.  This initiative is designed to instill a call to action to “see something, say something,” and crucially, do something — to ACT. 

Each year, countless individuals fall victim to exploitation, and it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves and our communities about this urgent issue. This upcoming month serves as a powerful reminder to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. By coming together as a caring community, we can inspire change, support survivors and prevent future exploitation. 

How CASA Volunteers and Supporters Can Get Involved: 

• Join the Governor’s Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE) initiative to empower communities of faith across Texas during their Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking (January 5-11, 2026). This week offers a unique opportunity to unite with faith communities across Texas in prayer, education and collaborative action against human trafficking. 

• National Human Trafficking Awareness Day: Mark your calendar for January 11, a vital opportunity to shine a light on this important cause! Join us in wearing blue to show solidarity and raise awareness about the fight against human trafficking. Whether you’re at work, home, or out with friends, snap pictures of yourself and those around you wearing blue attire. Let’s flood our social media feeds with positivity and purpose!  

• Utilize Social Media: Share photos of you and your loved ones wearing blue and using the hashtag #WearBlueDay. Make sure to tag Texas CASA, and together, we can spread awareness and inspire change. Remember, every small action counts, and your support matters! Amplifying our voices can raise awareness and encourage others to take action. 
   

• Educate Yourself and Others: Take the initiative to learn more about human trafficking and share this knowledge within your networks. By raising awareness, we empower ourselves and our communities to act. Below are two documentaries you could check out to increase your knowledge and understanding: 
  
  • Be the One: 52-minute training documentary from the Attorney General of Texas. The video features actual cases prosecuted in Texas. 
  • TBRI Animate on Human Trafficking: 3-minute animation from the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University that accurately and artfully describes the realities of child exploitation and how we can help survivors heal. 

If you have questions or want to learn more, check out all the resources available on the ACT portal or reach out to our CASA ACT Consultant at casaacts@texascasa.org. Together, we can leverage the energy of Human Trafficking Awareness Month to make a significant impact. Let us stand in solidarity and commit to being champions for change in our communities. 

Vicki Spriggs, Texas CASA CEO