Dr Vassilia Orfanou
Headline Diplomat eMagazine, LUDCI.eu

Introduction:

Human trafficking is a significant problem in the United States, particularly concerning children and young adults. Traffickers employ various tactics, including manipulation and exploitation, to target vulnerable school-age individuals. Shockingly, instances of trafficking have been reported to take place on school premises, during events, and even involving peers. Victims of trafficking often endure severe manipulation and domination, facing threats of violence, physical and sexual abuse, emotional mistreatment, and deprivation of necessities.

According to the International Labor Organization, around 1.2 million children are trafficked every year, leading to concerns about identifying at-risk groups and places where trafficking takes place. The education sector has a crucial role to play in preventing this illegal activity.

As victims of trafficking frequently continue attending school, they regularly interact with school staff. Consequently, schools have a unique opportunity to combat child trafficking.

Inadequate Training to Identify and Report Human Trafficking Cases in Schools

In the United States, there are laws mandating that children attend school until they turn 16, unless they are homeschooled. Consequently, children spend a significant amount of time on weekdays with the same adults. This allows teachers to develop a strong understanding of their students and identify any potential issues. Moreover, school counsellors and other support staff are available to provide additional assistance. While educators have always played a crucial role in reporting cases of child abuse and neglect, there is a lack of training to identify and report possible instances of human trafficking.

Educate Teachers and Professors on the Topic of Human Trafficking

It is mandatory for school employees to receive training on human trafficking. In 2017, Virginia implemented guidelines for this type of education. Similarly, Texas, Ohio, and California also require school staff to undergo human trafficking training. The federal government also recognizes the vital role that schools play in combating child trafficking.

Based on a report by the U.S. Department of Education, schools hold certain responsibilities in tackling child trafficking.

Educate staff members about the signs and characteristics of the crime.

Enhance understanding among parents and students about the potential dangers of trafficking.

Create explicit policies and procedures at the district and school level to identify potential victims and handle disclosures from them.

The first recommendation is to provide resources to educate school staff about human trafficking. The U.S. Department of Education has also developed a guide, to help educators address human trafficking in schools with knowledge and compassion.

Prevention Framework

The framework for preventing trafficking is built upon the prevention model of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. This model encompasses three levels of prevention: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Additionally, it incorporates multilevel strategies for preventing violence developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Tier One

The primary aim of primary prevention is to stop violence from happening. This is accomplished by employing strategies that emphasize the development of positive relationships, reducing risks in the school environment, and bolstering defenses against violence. These approaches involve teaching students social-emotional skills, nurturing a secure school environment, and disseminating educational materials or messages to prevent human trafficking. By implementing this form of prevention, forging partnerships between schools and community mental health organizations can establish a more robust support network for victims and survivors in subsequent levels of intervention. Primary prevention holds the greatest potential for significantly enhancing the well-being of many children.

Second Level

In the United States, educational institutions that employ multi-tiered support systems, like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, should address the increasing issue of domestic sex trafficking in minors using similar approaches. This resource serves as a supplement to the existing guide, offering guidance on implementing multi-tiered strategies to prevent domestic minor sex trafficking and support affected students and their families.

Third Level

During this stage, survivors of trafficking receive support in their healing process and are encouraged to continue their education with the assistance of schools and social service providers. Children who have been affected by trafficking often need ongoing support for their mental health and emotional well-being, which schools are able to provide. While alternative educational options may be appropriate in some cases, they may not always be the most effective solution.

Sending victims to these programs may isolate them from positive social interactions that could aid in their healing process. Therefore, whether they continue their education in their original schools or in alternative programs, schools should take the lead in reintegrating them into the academic setting. This can be achieved by coordinating support and assisting them in completing their studies. It is important to recognize that each case of human trafficking is unique and necessitates personalized attention.

Multi-Tiered Approach to Address Child Trafficking

The multi-tiered approach strategy aims to detect and address potential instances of child trafficking. As part of this strategy, it is mandatory for all school personnel to receive fundamental education on child trafficking. This education covers various aspects, including the dynamics, frequency, contributing factors, and warning signs of child trafficking.

In addition to the fundamental education, certain staff members who have direct contact with students require additional training. Organizations like SOAR for School-based Professionals offer online training programs specifically designed for educators on the topic of human trafficking. These programs provide valuable resources and knowledge to help educators effectively address this issue.

By implementing a multi-tiered approach and providing comprehensive training, schools can play a crucial role in preventing and combating child trafficking.

Resources for Educators on Human Trafficking

Educators have access to various resources to enhance their understanding of human trafficking and equip them to combat this issue effectively:

Trafficking Resources for Educators

Provides background information, lesson plans, and handouts on different human trafficking topics.
Includes resources like the A21 Campaign curriculum for high schools and the International Justice Mission’s materials.
Offers education packs from organizations like Free the Slaves and Polaris Project.

Educator’s Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Toolkit

Offers basic information about human trafficking and lesson plans for elementary school to college-level courses.
Provides valuable insights and frameworks for discussing this sensitive topic with students.

A21.org – K-12 Human Trafficking Education Curriculum

Specifically designed for Kindergarten to 12^th-grade students in the United States.
Aims to educate and encourage students to fight trafficking in their communities.
Provides guides for parents to start conversations about human trafficking with children and teenagers.

NEA Toolkit

Includes resources and organizations to help educators combat human trafficking and identify signs.
Offers a guide on human trafficking in schools, information for reporting suspected trafficking, and access to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign.

National Human Trafficking Resource Center Tools

Provides a tool designed to help educators identify risk factors and indicators of human trafficking in students.
Offers guidelines on how to respond, access resources, and contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center for assistance 5.
By utilizing these resources, educators can enhance their knowledge, identify potential trafficking situations, and take proactive steps to protect students from exploitation.

Conclusion

In the relentless battle against child trafficking, educators and schools serve as frontline defenders, equipped with the vital knowledge and skills to identify and prevent this abhorrent crime within their communities. By arming themselves with comprehensive education and awareness programs, they not only enhance their own understanding but also empower their colleagues to recognize the telltale signs of exploitation. This heightened vigilance enables proactive measures and protective strategies to be implemented, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. It is imperative that administrators, teachers, and students alike are well-informed about the deceptive tactics and distinctive characteristics employed by traffickers, thereby fortifying the defenses against this insidious threat.

Call to action

To effectively combat child trafficking, schools must take decisive action:

Prioritize comprehensive education and awareness programs for all staff members, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to identify and prevent trafficking.
Implement robust policies and procedures at both district and school levels to address potential trafficking cases promptly and effectively.
Foster collaboration with community mental health organizations and social service providers to establish a resilient support network for victims and survivors.
Advocate for continuous training and resources to empower schools in combating child trafficking effectively, ensuring that no child falls victim to this grave injustice.

Let us stand united in our commitment to protect the most vulnerable among us and create a safer, more secure world for all children.

Photo: MINH VO: https://www.pexels.com/el-gr/photo/20780562/