The Biden-Harris Administration has granted $1.9 million to support efforts in safeguarding young people from human trafficking. This funding to protect youth is a part of the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. It will aid four local education agencies partnering with non-profit organizations to combat the issue.
The Oakland, California Unified School District is among the recipients, receiving $500,000 to enhance its anti-human trafficking initiatives.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the need to end human trafficking and highlighted the importance of awareness and intervention efforts in schools. The funding will empower schools to raise awareness about this issue and encourage individuals to report it.
The initiative, known as the Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education (HTYPE) Demonstration Program, seeks to address the rising cases of online harassment, abuse, and human trafficking among youth. Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, Jeff Hild, stressed the importance of involving caregivers and youth-serving professionals in identifying potential abuse indicators.
The HTYPE program will equip schools with the skills and protocols necessary to handle suspected or confirmed trafficking cases. Students will also be educated on recognizing risks and recruitment tactics and how to seek help.
In the past, well-prepared schools have made a significant impact. For instance, last year, a network of eight school districts trained over 9,000 school personnel, identified at least 50 victims of human trafficking, and provided prevention education to over 16,000 students. The program allows schools to tailor their safety programs to local trends in human trafficking, considering factors like geography, population size, and race/ethnicity that increase the risk.
Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) Director Katherine Chon participated in a discussion with the Human Trafficking Leadership Academy (HTLA) to also explore strategies for empowering youth and professionals to identify dangerous situations. They also discussed ways technology companies can strengthen safety measures by consulting with experts with lived experiences.
This marks the eighth time that OTIP has engaged individuals with lived experience and allied professionals to address critical anti-trafficking issues. The focus this time is on innovative strategies to increase youth awareness and resilience against online harassment and abuse related to human trafficking.
OTIP remains committed to preventing human trafficking among children and youth by implementing survivor- and expert-informed programs both online and in schools. These initiatives align with the White House Task Force on Online Harassment and Abuse’s efforts to enhance youth safety and well-being.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by human trafficking and requires legal aid, reach out to the experts at Women’s Rights Group. Our skilled attorneys are prepared to offer legal guidance and resources to those ensnared by human trafficking.
Contact us for a private, no-cost consultation today.
