It has been estimated that 60% of all child sex trafficking victims have histories in the child welfare system. Youth without stable families are particularly vulnerable to being exploited by traffickers. Traffickers are targeting and recruiting youth directly from foster care, group homes, and residential placements. This webinar will address how foster care and other out of home placements can make youth more vulnerable to child sex trafficking. The webinar will discuss the lack of services and safe placements for youth in the justice system and the importance of screening family members for placements. The importance of reporting missing youth and identifying and tracking data on trafficked youth will be addressed. An overview of pertinent legislation, including the Family First Prevention Services Act and its impact on placement options, as well as national reform efforts will be included. This webinar contains important information for judicial officers and anyone working with youth in the justice system.
Faculty:
- Judge John Romero – Presiding Judge of the Children’s Court Division, Second Judicial District Court of New Mexico
- Tina Frundt – Founder and Executive Director, Courtney’s House
- Yasmin Vafa, JD – Executive Director, Rights4Girls