Raising awareness about human trafficking: a call to action from Illinois DCFS

Since 2010, January has been declared Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the United States.

In Illinois, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is at the forefront of tackling this crisis. Five key agencies in the state of Illinois—the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), the Illinois State Police (ISP), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and DCFS—are working along with agency partners to raise awareness and help combat this problem.

What is human trafficking?

First and foremost, it's necessary to understand what human trafficking is so we can recognize and combat this heinous act. According to the Illinois Center Against Sexual Assault (ICASA), human trafficking is the act of recruiting, harboring, moving, or obtaining a person by force, fraud or coercion for involuntary servitude, debt bondage or sexual exploitation.

Human trafficking is often difficult to detect since potential victims do not always exhibit physical or emotional symptoms. Comprehensive training and coaching are key tools in our efforts to educate staff and community partners about the red flags of human trafficking, which include:

• Appearing malnourished, ill or sleep deprived.
• Noticeable and sudden change in behavior.
• Avoiding eye contact and social interaction.
• Showing signs of physical injuries and abuse.
• Working excessively long hours and/or living at a place of employment/limited freedom of movement.
• Disconnection from family, friends, school, activities and places of worship.

For children, specific signs may also include:

• A history of running away or currently being on the run.
• Mysterious appearance of expensive clothing, jewelry or grooming
• Spending time with older individuals or being found in hotels or motels.
• New tattoos or branding most likely found on neck/back.
• Lacking official identification documents.
• Isolation from family and friends.

People of all ages, genders, races and socioeconomic status can fall prey to human trafficking – it is essential to note that traffickers target both rural and urban settings, from schools to tourist attractions. ?

What role does DFCS play in fighting human trafficking?

DCFS plays a crucial role in protecting children and youth from the horrors of human trafficking. Our

primary responsibilities include identifying potential victims, providing support and resources and collaborating with law enforcement and community partners to combat this crime. By working together across agencies and with our partners in law enforcement and the community, Illinois is taking critical steps toward ending human trafficking.

DCFS is ensuring that our workforce is well-equipped to recognize the signs of trafficking and respond appropriately. We have worked with the ISP, DHS and the Children’s advocacy of Illinois to secure a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime. This grant awarded through the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group will significantly enhance the services available to child and youth victims of sex and labor trafficking, bringing hope and optimism to their lives.

How you can help

The fight against human trafficking requires everyone’s involvement. Here’s what you can do:

• Stay informed and vigilant. Knowledge is power. Learn the signs of trafficking and share your knowledge with others.
• Report suspicious activity. If you suspect a child is being trafficked, contact Illinois DCFS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873) or call 911. Your actions could save someone’s life.
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: www.humantraffickinghotline.org, 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
• Support victims and survivors. Victims of trafficking often need compassionate, trauma-informed support to rebuild their lives. Your support can make a significant difference in their recovery. Support local organizations and initiatives that provide services for survivors.

Finally, Saturday, January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. To raise awareness, the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign—a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other partners—about all aspects of human trafficking and how to fight it. On #WearBlueDay, January 11, you are not just a participant, but an educator. You are invited to take photos of yourself, friends, family and colleagues wearing blue and share these on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages along with the #WearBlueDay hashtag. Your role in spreading awareness is crucial.

Heidi E. Mueller

Director, Illinois DCFS