This issue brief provides a broad overview of the crossover between the child welfare field and the work currently being done to prevent and respond to human trafficking of children and youth in the United States. There is a particular focus on sex trafficking of children and youth, because that trafficking type is more likely to affect the child welfare population. This issue brief provides basic background information, including highlights of Federal legislation, and then discusses the needs of victims and the ways that child welfare agencies can address the problem of the trafficking of children.

Author: Children's Bureau
Date: July 2015