Children's Bureau Resources Addressing Human Trafficking

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The Children's Bureau (CB) partners with Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies to improve the overall health and well-being of our nation's children and families. CB's anti-trafficking programs are focused on children and youth who are at risk of abuse or neglect and those who are involved with the child welfare system.

2019 Prevention Resource Guide
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway;Children's Bureau;FRIENDS National Resource Center For Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
Availability Download (PDF - 2,732KB)
Year Published 2019
This Resource Guide was developed to support service providers in their work with parents, caregivers, and their children to prevent child abuse and neglect and promote child and family well-being. It was created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, its Child Welfare Information Gateway, and the FRIENDS National Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention. The resources featured represent the work of a broad-based partnership of national organizations, Federal partners, and parents committed to strengthening families and communities.

Definitions of Human Trafficking
Series Title State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability View
Download (PDF - 1,063KB)
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. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.
Human Trafficking and Child Welfare: A Guide for Caseworkers
Series Title Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability View
Download (PDF - 278KB)
Order (Free)
Year Published 2017
Due to their potentially unstable living situations, physical distance from friends and family, traumatic experiences, and emotional vulnerability, children involved with child welfare are at risk for being targeted by traffickers who are actively seeking victims to exploit. This bulletin explores how caseworkers can identify and support children who have been victimized as well as children that are at greater risk for future victimization. It provides background information about the issue, strategies caseworkers can use to identify and support victims and potential victims, and 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 View
Download (PDF - 357KB)
Order (Free)
Year Published 2017
Due to their potentially unstable living situations, physical distance from friends and family, traumatic experiences, and emotional vulnerability, children involved with child welfare are at risk for being targeted by traffickers who are actively seeking children to exploit. This bulletin is intended for child welfare agency leadership and explores how child welfare agencies can support children who are victims of human trafficking, as well as children who are at greater risk for future victimization. It provides background information about the issue, including its scope and relevant Federal legislation and initiatives, and strategies that agencies can implement to address the trafficking of children. State and local policy and program examples also are provided.

Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act
Capacity Building Center for States
Supports States and territories in planning and implementing the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (P.L. 113-183).

Report to Congress: The Child Welfare System Response to Sex Trafficking of Children
Gibbs, Feinberg, Dolan, Latzman, Misra, & Domanico (2019)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families
Addresses State and Federal efforts to prevent and respond to sex trafficking of minors. It focuses on the additional risk and response for children who run away from their foster placements, State efforts to provide specialized services and services for victims who are minors, and the importance of providing stable and permanent connections to a caring adult.

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