Human trafficking, particularly sex trafficking, has become a point of emphasis in the child welfare field due to the high risk of exploitation for children and youth involved with child welfare. The resources in this section will help child welfare professionals, as well as those from related fields, to better understand the interplay of child welfare and human trafficking and develop comprehensive responses that assist victims and potential victims.
- ACF and other Federal resources
- Federal laws and policies
- Preventing human trafficking
- Identifying human trafficking
- Responding to human trafficking
- State examples
Definitions of Human Trafficking
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2020
Presents State criminal laws that define human trafficking, including involuntary servitude, forced labor and services, and sex trafficking of minors. Federal definitions of human trafficking and the inclusion of trafficking in civil child abuse definitions also are discussed.
Human Trafficking and Child Welfare: A Guide for Caseworkers
Series Title
Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2023
Explores how caseworkers can identify and support children and youth who have been victimized by human trafficking and those with risk factors for future exploitation. It provides background information about trafficking, strategies to identify and support victims and potential victims, and links to tools and resources that can assist caseworkers.
Human Trafficking and Child Welfare: A Guide for Child Welfare Agencies
Series Title
Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2023
Explores how agencies can support children and youth who have experienced human trafficking as well as those who may have risk factors for future exploitation. This bulletin provides background information about trafficking, including its scope, relevant legislation and initiatives, and strategies agencies can implement to address the trafficking of children and youth in the United States.
Responding to Child Victims of Human Trafficking
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2019
Provides an overview of State laws related to how States must respond to meet the needs of children who have been subjected to sex trafficking. The issues discussed include the respective duties of child welfare and law enforcement agencies, training requirements, diversion of child victims from prosecution to appropriate services, the array of services provided, and ways of funding services and programs for victims. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.