January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month , an opportunity to raise awareness on how we can all prevent and respond to human trafficking. Our theme for Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2023 is Partner to Prevent, highlighting the importance of partnerships and collaboration in strengthening anti-trafficking efforts. When we #Partner2Prevent, we can stop human trafficking before it happens and provide access to critical services for survivors.
This week, we are spotlighting school-based professionals and their critical role in preventing and responding to human trafficking among students. Educators and other staff are uniquely positioned to identify the barriers that students from underserved communities may be experiencing and to recognize situations or changes in student behavior that may indicate human trafficking or increased risk for human trafficking. Because they interact with students many hours a day and for many years, school-based professionals can help identify and report suspected trafficking and connect affected students to critical services. Below are tailored resources that, coupled with other foundational resources , will prepare school-based professionals to detect and reduce their students’ risk for experiencing human trafficking.
- The Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education (HTYPE) Demonstration Program Year 1 Reflections describes the project planning and startup activities conducted by the eight schools funded through the inaugural HTYPE Demonstration Program. In the HTYPE Year 1 Spotlight, grant recipients share the importance of human trafficking prevention education and how the funding will benefit their school community.
- Developing a Human Trafficking Safety School Protocol Toolkit prepares school-based professionals to address the safety, security, and well-being of staff and students by developing protocols for school staff to respond to situations in which students are at risk for or are experiencing human trafficking.
- SOAR for School-Based Professionals trains those serving middle- and high-school-aged students to better understand the issues surrounding human trafficking and its impact on youth. It describes possible indicators of human trafficking in youth and prepares participants to identify protective factors to support youth at the highest risk.
- Creating a Safe Environment for Students discusses ways school-based professionals can enhance feelings of safety and security when screening a student for trafficking.
Coming Soon
- Notice of Funding Opportunity: The Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education (HTYPE) Demonstration Program funds local educational agencies to establish, expand, and support programs to prevent human trafficking. Learn more about the funding opportunity and how to apply.
Learn more about National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and view additional resources.