Sex Trafficking Prevention
“Our children are gifts to us and, as such, we have a sacred trust responsibility to protect them from all acts of violence. …They need to know that the adults are listening and are ready to step in to help them. We need to send a strong message to would-be perpetrators that we are watching and that our children are not for sale!”
– Read more from victim advocate Bonnie Clairmont (Ho-Chunk)
WHY CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES NEED TO RESPOND
Children and adolescents across Indian Country are being targeted. Learn more about the scope of the issue.
STRATEGIES FOR TRIBES
Tribes can take action to protect the children in their care and prevent the trafficking of children.
IDENTIFY THOSE AT RISK
Identifying victims is the crucial first step to address child sex trafficking and is a federal requirement for agencies receiving Title IV-E funds.
STRENGTHEN YOUR RESPONSE THROUGH COLLABORATION
Creating a comprehensive response to the trafficking of children will require the collaboration of a number of agencies, service providers, and community members.
RAISE COMMUNITY AWARENESS
Trafficking takes many forms. If everyone is educated, your chances of finding it and stopping it in your community are much higher.
creating a circle of protection
The crime of commercial sexual exploitation, or sex trafficking, is affecting tribal communities everywhere. Tribal child welfare agencies can collaborate with others to create a circle of protection by recognizing the issue and it’s effect on tribal communities, protecting children by incorporating responsive strategies, and preventing future occurrences. The tools, examples, and information compiled here may help agencies better understand the issue while exploring different ways to respond. It’s up to each individual agency to determine how they would like to proceed.
This website is not intended to help agencies respond to individual cases of sex trafficking.
If you know of resources that could be included here, contact us at cbctresources@maine.edu.
The Children's Bureau, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, funds the Capacity Building Center for Tribes. The contents of this website and the resources herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Children's Bureau.
