Juvenile Justice System

Empowering service providers to overcome biases and uplift the well-being of boys and young men affected by sexual exploitation
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Empowering service providers to overcome biases and uplift the well-being of boys and young men affected by sexual exploitation

In an ideal world, all young people should have access to safe environments and connections with supportive individuals who prioritize their health and well-being. These spaces would allow them to freely express themselves and pursue their aspirations. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the reality. Many young individuals, especially boys and young men, who have experienced or…

13-year-old charged with murder after confessing to killing 4-year-old sibling: Danville Police
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13-year-old charged with murder after confessing to killing 4-year-old sibling: Danville Police

A teen in Virginia is facing a murder charge in connection to the death of a sibling. According to the Danville Police Department, a 13-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder and the victim is the teen’s 4-year-old sibling. Police said in a news release, the teen recently confessed to suffocating the 4-year-old. Police said…

Sex trafficking plea deal means unending ‘nightmare’ for Texas mom
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Sex trafficking plea deal means unending ‘nightmare’ for Texas mom

Several people who worked on the case said they were outraged by the final resolution, which gave 2 men charged with sex trafficking a plea deal to walk free. SAN ANTONIO — Irma Reyes changed clothes in the back seat of the pickup: skirt, tights, turtleneck, leather jacket. All black. She brushed her hair and…

Fort Bend County registers human trafficking specialty court for juveniles with state
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Fort Bend County registers human trafficking specialty court for juveniles with state

At a Feb. 7 meeting, following human trafficking awareness month, Fort Bend County commissioners registered the Creating Opportunities through Rehabilitation and Empowerment specialty court for juveniles with the Texas Office of Court Administration. The court provides counseling and mentorship for youth who are victims of or at risk of becoming subject to sex trafficking. These…

Florida among top three states for human trafficking response – WFTV
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Florida among top three states for human trafficking response – WFTV

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida is one of the top three states for human trafficking in the country, but as calls to the Human Trafficking Hotline increased, so did the state’s efforts to provide services to survivors. National experts say those efforts are starting to pay off. From the theme parks, to our beaches; as a…

For human trafficking survivors, "healing is a lifelong process" – Naples Daily News
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For human trafficking survivors, "healing is a lifelong process" – Naples Daily News

At an early age, Tammy Toney-Butler was a victim of human trafficking. “As a trauma survivor, we don’t have a whole lot of memories,” said Toney-Butler. “But I know that I was being victimized way back in kindergarten and probably earlier. My mother would have been considered my trafficker.” Toney-Butler, founder of A & K…

How traffickers are targeting area kids – Oakridger
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How traffickers are targeting area kids – Oakridger

Vulnerable children in East Tennessee are being targeted by traffickers seeking to get them to perform free labor or sex for profit, according to Lisa Bolton of the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CCAHT). She spoke online recently to the Women’s Interfaith Dialogue of Oak Ridge. Offering various real-life scenarios during her online presentation, Bolton…

Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force will hold annual summit January 26–27
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Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force will hold annual summit January 26–27

Human trafficking is the second-largest criminal activity in the world and the fastest-growing. Awareness in the United States has increased, but human trafficking continues to go underreported due to its nature of isolation, the misconception of the definition of human trafficking and the lack of awareness of its signs and indicators. Human trafficking occurs when…

Conducting Anti-Trafficking Work Using a Racial Equity Lens
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Conducting Anti-Trafficking Work Using a Racial Equity Lens

Recently, there was a request for information made by the US State Department’s Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Senior Policy Operating Group (SPOG) asked for input from key stakeholders and community members on how it can advance racial justice and equity in work combatting human trafficking. We’re glad this request was made, and…