## ![](media/image1.png){width="1.7083333333333333in" height="0.6131944444444445in"} ![](media/image2.wmf){width="0.6875in" height="0.7493055555555556in"}

## [Human Trafficking of Children in the United States]{.smallcaps}

### [A Fact Sheet for Schools]{.smallcaps}

## 

## What Is Human Trafficking? 

Human trafficking is a serious federal crime with penalties of up to
imprisonment for life. Federal law defines "severe forms of trafficking
in persons" as: "(A) **sex trafficking** in which a **commercial sex
act** is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person
induced to perform such act has **not attained 18 years of age**; or

\(B\) the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or
obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of **force,
fraud, or coercion** for the purpose of subjection to **involuntary
servitude**, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery." \[U.S.C. §7102(8)\] In
short, human trafficking is modern-day slavery.

**What Is the Extent of Human Trafficking in the United States?**

Contrary to a common assumption, human trafficking is not just a problem
in other countries. Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all
50 states, Washington D.C., and some U.S. territories. Victims of human
trafficking can be children or adults, U.S. citizens or foreign
nationals, male or female.

According to U.S. government estimates, thousands of men, women, and
children are trafficked to the United States for the purposes of sexual
and labor exploitation.  An unknown number of U.S. citizens and legal
residents are trafficked within the country primarily for sexual
servitude and, to a lesser extent, forced labor.

**How Does Human Trafficking Affect Our Schools?**

Trafficking can involve school-age children---particularly those not
living with their parents---who are vulnerable to coerced labor
exploitation, domestic servitude, or commercial sexual exploitation
(i.e., prostitution).

Sex traffickers target children because of their vulnerability and
gullibility, as well as the market demand for young victims. The average
age of entry into prostitution is 12 to 14 years old and traffickers
(also called "pimps") are known to recruit at schools and after-school
programs. Recruitment can take multiple forms, including: 1) kidnapping;
2) solicitation by other women or girls recruiting on behalf of the sex
trafficker; and 3) the "loverboy" approach of appearing genuinely
interested in a romantic relationship while gradually coercing the
victim into prostitution.

**How Do I Identify a Victim of Human Trafficking?**[^1]

## A victim:

-   Has unexplained absences from school for a period of time, and is
    therefore a truant

-   Demonstrates an inability to attend school on a regular basis

-   Chronically runs away from home

-   Makes references to frequent travel to other cities

-   Exhibits bruises or other physical trauma, withdrawn behavior,
    depression, or fear

-   Lacks control over her or his schedule or identification documents

-   Is hungry-malnourished or inappropriately dressed (based on weather
    conditions or surroundings)

-   Shows signs of drug addiction

Additional signs that may indicate sex-related trafficking include:

-   Demonstrates a sudden change in attire, behavior, or material
    possessions (e.g., has expensive items)

-   Makes references to sexual situations that are beyond age-specific
    norms

-   Has a "boyfriend" who is noticeably older (10+ years)

-   Makes references to terminology of the commercial sex industry that
    are beyond age‑specific norms; engages in promiscuous behavior and
    may be labeled "fast" by peers

**How Do I Report a Suspected Incidence of Human Trafficking?**

-   In cases of immediate emergencies, it is best to call your local
    police department or emergency access number.

-   You can report suspected trafficking crimes or get help by calling
    the national 24/7 toll-free Human Trafficking Resource Center at
    1-888-373-7888. This center will help you determine if you have
    encountered a victim of human trafficking; identify local resources
    available in your community to help victims; and coordinate with
    local social service providers to help protect and serve victims so
    they can begin the process of rehabilitation and restoring their
    lives.  When appropriate, the Resource Center makes referrals to
    local organizations that assist victims with counseling, case
    management, legal advice, and other appropriate services, as well as
    to law enforcement agencies that help trapped victims reach safety.

-   For sexually exploited or abused minors, particularly those who are
    U.S. citizens, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited
    Children's (NCMEC) hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST to be connected with
    the most appropriate assistance in your area, or you can also report
    incidents at http://www.cybertipline.org.

-   You can report suspected instances of trafficking or worker
    exploitation by contacting the FBI field office nearest you at
    http://[www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm](http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm)
    or by contacting the Department of Justice's Human Trafficking
    Office at

1-888-428-7581. 

**How Does the United States Help Victims of Human Trafficking?**

The U.S. government supports a victim-centered approach. It funds a
national public awareness campaign and a number of nongovernmental
organizations that assist victims. The U.S. government seriously pursues
human trafficking cases and prosecutes the traffickers. For a complete
assessment of U.S. government efforts to combat trafficking in persons,
please visit the U.S. Department of Justice Web site:
http://[www.usdoj.gov/whatwedo/whatwedo_ctip.html](http://www.usdoj.gov/whatwedo/whatwedo_ctip.html).

# Resources and Publications

One of the best ways to help combat human trafficking is to raise
awareness and learn more about how to identify victims. Information on
human trafficking can be found on the following Web sites:

-   U.S. Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking
    in Persons

http://[www.state.gov/g/tip](http://www.state.gov/g/tip)

-   U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Campaign to Rescue and
    Restore Victims of Human Trafficking

http://[www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/index.html](http://www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/index.html)

-   U.S. Department of Justice

http://[www.usdoj.gov/whatwedo/whatwedo_ctip.html](http://www.usdoj.gov/whatwedo/whatwedo_ctip.html)

<http://www.ovc.gov/help/tip.htm>

http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/ceos/trafficking.html

-   Federal Bureau of Investigation, Investigative Programs, Crimes
    Against Children http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/crimesmain.htm

-   National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

http://[www.ncmec.org](http://www.ncmec.org/)

-   Polaris Project

http://[www.polarisproject.org](http://www.polarisproject.org/)

[]{.mark}

NOTE: This fact sheet contains resources, including Web sites, created
by a variety of outside organizations. The resources are provided for
the user\'s convenience, and inclusion does not constitute an
endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education of any views, products
or services offered or expressed in them. All Web sites were accessed on
June 26, 2007.

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools

400 Maryland Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20202

\(202\) 260-3954

[www.ed.gov/osdfs](http://www.ed.gov/osdfs)

[^1]: ^\*^ It is important to note that this list is not comprehensive
    of all signs of human trafficking, nor are all students who exhibit
    these signs most certainly trafficking victims. The list is meant to
    be a guide to help determine if further action is appropriate.