Human Trafficking by Kristy Murphy https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o Labor and Sex Trafficking of Students en-us 2020-07-10 19:07:39 UTC 2023-05-30 06:03:49 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f469-1f3eb.png Professional Perspective, Audience, and Topic kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/651982430 Educators are aware of child abuse, but many are not aware of human trafficking, which is a form of child abuse. Professional school counselors have an opportunity to inform teachers and administrators of human trafficking signs to look for in students. This topic was chosen as many educators are unaware that labor and sex trafficking of students frequently occurs in large cities and rural areas, and educators may not be knowledgeable of signs to look for and how to report suspected abuse. Human traffickers are found everywhere as are trafficked children; therefore, by sharing information on human trafficking, educators can help protect students from this form of child abuse.]]> 2020-07-10 19:08:39 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/651982430 Summary of Topic kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/651989984 2020-07-10 19:24:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/651989984 How Human Trafficking Impacts Student Education kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/652009555 It is imperative that schools be a safe learning environment for student success. However, when students are trafficked, exploitation and violence are experienced by victims and many suffer from physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. This trauma can impact students' learning experiences and result in problematic behaviors at school. According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), research has shown a correlation between human trafficking of children and school-related issues, as well as learning disabilities (TEA, 2020).


Read the "Training and Resources" section from the following website to gain knowledge of how serious human trafficking is.

Texas Education Agency. (2020). Human Trafficking of School-aged Children. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/other-services/human-trafficking-of-school-aged-children.]]> 2020-07-10 20:07:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/652009555 Emerging Issues Educators Should Watch For kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/652013548 The latest information from the TEA (2020) states that Texas was second to California in the number of calls to the human trafficking hotline reporting a tip or asking for assistance, and is consistently in the top five states in the number of calls to the hotline for both labor and sex trafficking cases. Labor trafficking of children typically occurs in settings such as the harvesting of crops, cooking and cleaning of homes, and working at restaurants or bars. Children have been sex trafficked in sexually oriented businesses, fake modeling agencies, and are forced into sex acts for basic needs. The average age a child is recruited for sex trafficking is 11-14! Educators should be aware that trafficked students typically have lack of family support, parents who are alcoholics or drug users, students exposed to domestic violence, and students who lack adult supervision (TEA, 2020).
 
Texas Education Agency. (2020). Human Trafficking of School-aged Children. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/other-services/human-trafficking-of-school-aged-children.]]> 2020-07-10 20:16:35 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/652013548 National Education Association kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/652041972 According to the National Education Association (NEA), the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 is a federal statute passed into law by the U.S. Congress in 2000 to combat human trafficking. The Polaris Project included a 2019 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, which provides a comprehensive policy review of the new or renewed authorities impacts on survivors and victim services. This also looks at how these bills work together to change the U.S. Government policy and laws related to human trafficking (NEA, 2019). 


NEA (2019). The 2019 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. https://polarisproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Polaris-TVPRA-2019-Analysis.pdf]]> 2020-07-10 21:16:34 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/652041972 Current News Article # 1 kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/652051241 This article discusses the human trafficking hub in El Paso ,TX and suggests:
  • connecting with students who are not part of a specific group as they are the most vulnerable to human trafficking
  • the crucial understanding and awareness of human trafficking as the local superintendent stated she was unaware that Interstate 25, which runs through El Paso, TX was a hub for human trafficking and a local hotel was a well-known place for human trafficking
  • teachers and students do not necessarily have the knowledge needed to be safe from human trafficking
  • human trafficking is a much larger issue than people think
  • human trafficking is referred to as a diverse and hidden crime that is under-reported
  • while not common, this district requires all teachers and administration to participate in a two-hour human trafficking training
  • many victims are in the American school system and it is imperative educators learn how to identify and report suspected abuse as stated by T.E.C. § 38.004

 Kelley, D. (2020, June 14). El Paso County school districts taking steps to protect students from human trafficking. https://gazette.com/education/el-paso-county-school-districts-taking-steps-to-protect-students/article_dd10e580-ac97-11e8-b778-6303fadd3d4d.html
]]> 2020-07-10 21:39:44 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/652051241 Current News Article # 2 kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/652373783 This news article discusses how Colorado is fighting human trafficking.
  • This district requires all 350 of its teachers and administration to attend a two-hour human trafficking session to learn how to identify warning signs and keep students safe from pimps, especially through social media.
  • Interstate 25 also runs through this town and is a hub for human trafficking.
  • Police in this area focus on juvenile prostitution, which includes boys, girls, and transgender children who are pimped out typically between the ages of 12-14.
  • Generally, people think human trafficking involves kidnapping, and it does; however, in reality many victims continue to live in their neighborhoods, attend school, and spend time with friends. 
  • Pimps not only groom kids but seem to fit into the community, and once trust is gained with the child and community, the pimp lures victims on social media, in the neighborhood, at malls, or even uses other student victims to recruit new victims.
  • Administrators and educators  should watch for sudden increases in student absences, new possessions that the student could not afford, another person who speaks for the victim when interacting with school authorities, students who are being picked up or dropped off by a boyfriend or girlfriend who is noticeably older, and a sudden change in the students appearance or dress.
  • According to the article, administrators should develop protocol on when and how to alert law enforcement when human trafficking is suspected. 
  • There should be collaboration between school district leaders, federal and local law enforcement, mental health agencies, child welfare, and any other appropriate organizations. However, only law enforcement should intervene. 

Vercelletto, C. (2018, September 7). Colorado district takes steps to fight human trafficking. Education Dive. https://www.educationdive.com/news/colorado-district-takes-steps-to-fight-human-trafficking/531705/
]]> 2020-07-11 18:41:33 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/652373783 What Schools Need to Know kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/653373776
This resource summarizes what educators need to know about sex and labor trafficking of children. Included is a definition of trafficking, forms of trafficking, and dynamics of trafficking. Also included is information about traffickers and victims, warning signs to look for in victims, and additional resources available to search for further information.

National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE. (2014). Sex trafficking of minors:What schools need to know to recognize and respond to the trafficking of students. https://nche.ed.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/trafficking.pdf]]> 2020-07-13 15:43:13 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/653373776 Recommendations/Best Practices kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/653394456
  • Watch vulnerable children for signs of human trafficking, which include children who lack family support, have parents who are alcoholics or drug users, lack of supervision, are exposed to domestic violence, and those who suffer physical or sexual abuse.
  • Be aware that traffickers may utilize schools to have victims recruit other students or may use adults to recruit on or near campus.
  • Recognize that traffickers, recruiters, and victims come from different ethnic, racial, gender, socioeconomic, and age areas.
  • Be aware of your surroundings outside of school when children are present like at parks, shopping malls, and restaurants as these can also be recruitment opportunities for traffickers.
  • Traffickers have a physical and psychological hold over victims; therefore, victims may not want to be rescued or not understand that they are victims of human trafficking.
  • Educators can help identify victims by learning to look for  physical, behavioral, and academic changes in students.
  • Red flags all educators should watch for in students include a sudden increases in student absences, possessions the student could not afford, someone who speaks for the student, students who are being picked up or dropped off by and older "boyfriend" or "girlfriend," and a sudden change in a student's appearance.
  • Under Texas law all individuals are required to report child abuse or neglect (human trafficking is a form of child abuse) within 48 hours to law enforcement or the department of Family and Protective Services.
  • Not reporting suspected human trafficking of children may lead to misdemeanor charges for you and loss of your teaching certificate.
  • Educators who do not report suspected child abuse may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability.
    • ]]>     2020-07-13 16:08:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/653394456     Local Administrative Policy kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/653605434
  • The local administrative law at Cranfills Gap ISD (2019) states that  “all employees are required by state law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect, as defined by Texas Family Code §261.001 to a law enforcement agency, Child Protective Services(CPS), or appropriate state agency (e.g., state agency operating, licensing, certifying, or registering a facility) within 48 hours of the event that led to the suspicion. Alleged abuse or neglect involving a person responsible for the care, custody, or welfare of the child (including a teacher) must be reported to CPS" (p. 27).

    • Cranfills Gap ISD Handbook. (2019). Teacher Handbook. https://s3.amazonaws.com/scschoolfiles/1864/2019_employee_handbook_1.pdf

    ]]>     2020-07-13 20:58:44 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/653605434     Statutory Law kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/654334654 The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 was enacted to combat human trafficking, mainly of women and children, which states:
    • Trafficking is modern day slavery with at least 700,000 people trafficked each year. 
    • Fifty thousand women and children are trafficked into the United States each year.
    • These individuals are trafficked into the international sex trade that involves sexual exploitation of women and girls related to prostitution, pornography, sex tourism, and other sexual services.
    • Trafficking also involves forced labor that includes major violations or labor, public health, and human rights standards.
    • Women and girls who are affected by poverty, no access to education, are unemployed, or face discrimination are primary targets.
    • Traffickers make false promises of good working conditions at decent pay as nannies, maids, dancers,  models, etc. 
    • Traffickers buy children from poor families and sell them into prostitution or various types of labor.
    • Traffickers transport victims to unfamiliar destinations leaving them defenseless and vulnerable.
    • Victims are forced to engage in sex acts for slavery-like labor through physical violence.
    • Traffickers threaten victims stating physical harm may occur if they attempt to escape.  

    22 U.S.C. § 7101 
    ]]>     2020-07-14 16:34:38 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/654334654     Administrative Law kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/654380996
  • 61 T.A.C. § 1051 states that every school employee who suspects a child’s physical or mental health has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect must report to the appropriate authorities within 48 hours. The definition of child abuse or neglect include the trafficking of a child in accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §38.004.
    • Consequences of not reporting suspected abuse:
    • Educators who do not report suspected child abuse may be subject to criminal prosecution or civil liability.
    • Failure to report child abuse is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 180 days.
    • Failure to report can also result in sanctions to your professional certificate.
                      (ATPE, 2020)

    Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect, Including Trafficking of a Child, 61. Tex. Admin. Code § 1051

    ATPE. Reporting Child Abuse. (2020). https://www.atpe.org/en/Protection/Legal-Guide/Reporting-Child-Abuse


    ]]>     2020-07-14 17:34:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/654380996     Federal Administrative Law kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/654495185
  • 18 U.S.C. § 1591 states that whoever knowingly recruits, entices, harbors, transports, provides, obtains, advertises, maintains, patronizes, or solicits a person or benefits financially from trafficking children under age 14 will receive imprisonment not less than 15 years or for life.
  • If the child is 14 or older, but not 18, imprisonment will not b less than 10 years or for life.
  • If an individual obstructs or attempts to obstruct the enforcement of this, may be imprisoned not to exceed 25 years. 
  • It is imperative for many reasons to report ANY suspected abuse, including human trafficking!

    • Sex trafficking of children or by force, fraud, or coercion, 18 U.S.C. § 1591. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:18 section:1591 edition:prelim) OR (granuleid:USC-prelim-title18-section1591)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true
    ]]>     2020-07-14 20:12:31 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/654495185     How to spot human trafficking kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/722861412 TED Talk]]> 2020-09-05 21:51:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/722861412 kmurphy132 https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/722865318 2020-09-05 22:01:04 UTC https://padlet.com/kmurphy132/gvdwnneog77jlz0o/wish/722865318