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The exploitation of children for commercial purposes occurs when someone purchases, exchanges, or sells sexual services with an individual under 18 years old. Our community's young people are at risk from these predators, but our Human Trafficking Response Team is dedicated to combating child trafficking in Ventura County.

What does the Human Trafficking Response Team do?

 

The Human Trafficking Response Team offers aid to social workers in their efforts to recognize and provide aid to children and youth within the child welfare system who are victims of or at high risk of commercial sexual exploitation. Additionally, the team collaborates with various stakeholders such as agencies, non-profits, law enforcement, and other partners to establish a comprehensive response network to combat child trafficking.

We’re here to assist you in understanding the risks, indicators, and support resources necessary to combat child trafficking in our community.

Who are victims of child trafficking?

All children, from any culture and socioeconomic background are vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation and child trafficking.

Who are perpetrators of child trafficking?

  • Family members
  • Significant others such as friends, boyfriends, or girlfriends
  • Trusted adults
  • Predators who prey on vulnerable youth

Where does child trafficking occur?

  • Child trafficking occurs in major cities and small towns, including Ventura County.

Who are at particular risk of being trafficked?

  • Runaway and homeless youth
  • Children and youth in out-of-home care
  • Children that have suffered or experienced abuse*
  • Children and youth in poverty*
  • Children and youth of parents that abuse drugs*

*Source

How can educators identify the signs of child trafficking?

  • The child is homeless, has run away, or is involved in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems
  • Frequently absent for no given reason
  • Shows visible signs of physical and emotional abuse
  • Frequently goes on “vacation”
  • Shows signs of malnourishment and sleep deprivation
  • Responses to questions come off well-rehearsed
  • Boyfriend or girlfriend is visibly older
  • Promiscuity and sexual references occur uncharacteristically
sad teen

What resources are available to educate the public about child trafficking?

  • Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign
  • National Human Trafficking Resource Center
  • Shared Hope International
  • The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
  • Interface Children and Family Services
  • Forever Found

How to report child trafficking?

  • For immediate emergencies, call 9-1-1
  • Ventura County Child and Elder Abuse Reporting Hotline: 805-654-3200
  • National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888

Community-Based Organizations

 

The Human Trafficking Response Team works closely in partnership with the following community-based organizations:

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Become a Resource Family

 

Often times, children and youth who have escaped their trafficking situation are vulnerable to returning to their exploiter, for a variety of reasons; such as financial or substance abuse dependency, emotional attachment, or fear. 

These children and youth may need resource families who will welcome them into a safe and stable home to support them as they heal from the trauma of their trafficking situation.

Resource families provide our youth and children with encouragement, support, motivation, and most importantly love.

Are you interested in loving and supporting Ventura County’s most vulnerable youth?

teen video chatting on phone

Report

 

For Immediate Emergencies: call 9-1-1

Ventura County Child and Elder Abuse Hotline: 805-654-3200

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888

TO MAKE A REPORT CONTACT OUR LOCAL HOTLINE: (805) 654-3200

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