January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, which means we take time at the beginning of each new year to help raise awareness.
According to the U.S. Department of State, “Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, includes both forced labor and sex trafficking. It not only represents a threat to international peace and security but also undermines the rule of law, robs millions of their dignity and freedom, enriches transnational criminals and terrorists, and threatens public safety and national security everywhere. There are estimated to be more than 27.6 million people — adults and children — subjected to human trafficking around the world, including in the United States.”
Unfortunately, young people in foster care are often at risk for trafficking. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that “A large number of youth in foster care run away from their placement at least once, and many do multiple times. Running from care is associated with a range of serious negative consequences, including human trafficking victimization.”
That’s why this month matters to Saint Francis Ministries.
Youth involved in foster care often share several common risk factors, including:
- struggles with mental health,
- experiences of some abuse,
- a broken or limited support system,
- unstable placement,
- and a lack of a sense of belonging.
As a result, young people involved in the foster care system may be more susceptible to being manipulated, coerced, or forced into commercial sexual exploitation. Saint Francis Ministries, in partnership with law enforcement and DCF, has intentionally implemented human trafficking awareness training, risk assessment, and interventions to address confirmed or high-risk involvement with human trafficking identified in youth in the foster care system and Saint Francis Ministry care.
If you believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, call the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or report an emergency to law enforcement by calling 911.
