TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN Child Labor Commercial Sexual Exploitation
TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) “Growing up for me was a lot of pain. I don’t know how to explain it. It was just a lot of pain. ” (CSEC Survivor) January 2017 GAL Staff/Advocate Training
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) GAL Focus – Child Trafficking This training has been developed to assist Guardian ad Litem Staff and Volunteer Advocates with specific information regarding trafficking for both child labor and/or commercial sexual exploitation of children. **While not a requirement, it is recommended GAL Staff and Volunteers review the separate CBI Attorney Training. Also included in this material are: Tips for working with children who are victims of child trafficking. RESOURCE S List of references and resources utilized during the development of this course. These resources may provide additional guidance regarding human trafficking, child labor, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). 2
Learning Objectives • Increase your awareness of the crucial problem of human trafficking in general and CSEC/Child Labor in particular • Provide you with the ability to discuss the various risk factors that make children vulnerable to human trafficking • Familiarize you with the methods recruitment used by exploiters • Provide you with the ways in which a CSEC victim can be identified and safely engaged • Examine how you as a GAL can support and advocate for the child victims and survivors www. Guardianad. Litem. org Chapter 39 of 3
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) 4
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) What is ‘Human Trafficking”? • Trafficking is to deal or trade in a service or commodity; usually an illegal one. • Human Trafficking is commonly referred to as modern day slavery. • There are 2 primary forms of human trafficking: sex and labor. • The commercial sexual exploitation of children is a type of human trafficking. 5
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) An estimated 246 million children (worldwide), between the ages of 5 and 17, are involved in: --Debt Bondage --Forced Recruitment for Armed Conflict --Prostitution --Pornography --Illegal Drug Trade --Illegal Arms Trade --Other illicit activities Another form of trafficking of children involves the buying and selling of babies throughout the globe for the purpose of adoption. 6
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Identifying Trafficking Victims ** Possible indicators of trafficking, according to list adapted from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and detailed in the. Assisting trafficking victims: A guide for victim advocates available at www. nsvrc. org. 7
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) CHILD LABOR
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) LABOR TRAFFICKING This type of human trafficking involves the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of a person for labor services through the use of force, fraud and coercion. An important note about the trafficking of children: The elements of force, fraud and coercion do not have to be present. A “willing” minor is still a victim because a child cannot agree to his/her own exploitation. 9
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) • Victims are diverse and include children of all ages, men and women. Who are the victims of labor trafficking? • Some enter the country legally on work visas, while others enter illegally. 10
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Children are generally preferred to adults in the labor world, as they are more easily controlled; cheaper and less likely to demand better working conditions. (Herzfeld, They are often lured to the U. S. under the guise of opportunity. They may believe they are joining family members, coming to work legitimate jobs or attend school. 2002) Unfortunately, very little is known about labor trafficking, both into and within the United States. • The Child Labor Coalition (CLC) estimates that 5. 5 million youth are employed across the US with an estimated 500, 000, mostly children of color, working in agricultural settings. • Additionally, the CLC estimates that 50, 000 children are involved with street peddling, including magazines, candy, etc. (Clawson et al. , 2009) 11
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Signs of labor trafficking, as noted by the Polaris Project: • • No freedom to leave or come and go as desired No or very little pay, or payment only through tips Excessive and/or unusual work hours No breaks at work A large debt that cannot be paid off Recruitment through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of the work High security measures in the work and/or living locations Lack of knowledge of whereabouts/or lost sense of time More information regarding the Polaris Project is included in the Resources section. 12
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) “The commercial sexual exploitation of children is the most hidden form of child abuse in North America today. It is the nation’s least recognized epidemic. ” • Richard Estes, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Work Center for Youth Study 14
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Please click the following link to view the Florida Human Trafficking Public Service Announcement: https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=u 5 Oc. DSWd. Fd. Y (Video length: 03: 04) 15
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is defined as: Criminal practices that demean, degrade and threaten the physical and psycho-social integrity of children. There are three primary forms of CSEC: • • • Prostitution Pornography Trafficking for sexual purposes Other forms of CSEC include child sex tourism, child marriages and forced marriages. 16
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) According to UNICEF, WHAT WE KNOW (FACTS) ABOUT CSEC: Every 2 minutes, a child is being groomed for sexual exploitation EVERY YEAR At least 100, 000 children are being prostituted in the United States (Polaris) Youth who experience sexual abuse Previous history of child abuse and neglect Are 28 more times likely to be arrested for prostitution than their non-abused counterparts History with the child welfare system prior to exploitation Average when first become victims of prostitution (NPR) Girls 12 -14 Boys 11 -13 Transgender 11 -13 U p to 90% 50% to 85% Between 244, 000 and 325, 000 American children are at risk each year of becoming victims 17
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) How would we describe the children who are at risk for recruitment into CSEC? 18
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Children at who: • • • Are under 18 years old Walk to school or the store alone Own or have access to a computer Are attracted to consumer goods -- such as food, electronics, clothing, jewelry Desire to develop romantic relationships for recruitment are those • • • Sometimes feel insecure Feel misunderstood Fight with their parents Sometimes feel their parents don’t care Want more independence Test boundaries and take risks 19
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) All children are at RISK for recruitment into CSEC. Keep in mind that it is usually a combination of several risk factors that result in a child becoming a victim of CSEC. The following are individual risk factors that increase a child’s vulnerability: • • • Dysfunctional family Sexual Abuse Neglect Runaway Homeless • • • Mental health issues Unaddressed trauma Developmental disabilities Drug/alcohol use by child Have a history of abuse or neglect 20
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) “On average, children first fall victim to CSEC between ages 12 and 14. ” (Adams, Owens, and Small 2010; Greenbaum 2014) It is estimated that 70 to 90% of sexually exploited children have a history of child sexual abuse. (www. kristihouse. org) 21
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Recruitment can happen through: • • • Pathways to Entry (CSEC) • • Parents selling children Violence and force Seduction and coercion False advertising for “acting” or “modeling” or “dancing” opportunities Peer recruitment Internet enticement through chat rooms or profile-sharing sites Missing or abducted children Survival sex within homeless youth population 22
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) “Being in foster care was the perfect training for sexual exploitation. ” -- (Recovered Youth) “I was used to being moved without warning, without any say, not knowing where I was going or whether I was allowed to pack my clothes. After years in foster care, I didn’t think anyone would want to take care of me unless they were paid. So, when my pimp expected me to make money to support ‘the family, ’ it made sense to me. ” 23
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) 98% of children who are identified as survivors of sex trafficking had previous involvement with child welfare services, and many were legally in the care and custody of the state while they were being prostituted by traffickers. (OLP Foundation and Human Trafficking. Search. net) 24
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) The Connection Between Foster Care and CSEC Connection #1 Connection #2 Connection #3 Foster Care Runaway / Throwaway Aging Out Youth Lured Away Homeless CSEC (The OLP Foundation and Human. Trafficking. Search. Net) CSEC 25
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) LGBTQ Youth (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) are at High Risk of Becoming Victims of CSEC Although LGBTQ youth only account for 3 to 5% of the population, they account for up to 40% of the runaway and homeless youth population. Once on the streets, they face a significant risk of becoming victims of CSEC. (www. nationalhomeless. org) 26
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Unfortunately, LGBTQ sex trafficking is commonly overlooked and rarely reported by local and national governments. This is due to the hidden nature of same-sex prostitution and the stigma associated with being LGBTQ. 27
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) When advocating for a LGBTQ youth, who is also a CSEC victim, remember, he/she -- like all victims of CSEC, is a victim of a crime. They also face numerous health challenges, such as: • Physical trauma from torture and daily mental abuse; • Substance abuse problems; • Exposure to tuberculosis and communicable diseases, including HIV – Sex trafficking has been linked to the spread of HIV/AIDS The resource section of this training includes a list of referrals and resources available for LGBTQ individuals. 28
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Warning Signs a Child is AT IMMINENT RISK for or ALREADY a Victim of Commercial Child Sexual Exploitation: • • • Chronic truant / runaway / homeless youth Excess cash Hotel room keys Multiple cell phones Signs of branding – Tattoos – Jewelry • Having expensive items with no known source of income 29
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Warning Signs a Child is AT IMMINENT RISK for or ALREADY a Victim of Commercial Child Sexual Exploitation (continued): • • Lying about age (false identification) Dramatic personality change – evasive behavior, especially around a “new boyfriend” – talks about being taken care of • • Disengagement from school and the community Visible signs of abuse, such as – – unexplained bruise – black eyes – cuts or marks 30
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) A child exhibiting one of the indicators presented on the previous two slides may not necessarily or definitively be a victim of CSEC. • Likewise, not all victims of CSEC exhibit these warning signs. • The presence of any of these signs is worthy of further inquiry and intervention. 31
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) What can you do as a GAL if you suspect one of your youth is at risk but not yet exploited? • BE SKEPTICAL…. If you don’t like or don’t have a good feeling about someone who has access to the youth within your influence, act on that feeling. REPORT IT TO YOUR ADVOCACY TEAM. Remember, it is better to overreact and apologize than to lose a child. 32
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) What can you do as a GAL if you suspect one of your youth is at risk but not yet exploited? • CREATE RELATIONSHIPS… “Foster Parents, social workers, teachers, mental health workers, medical practitioners, GALs, neighbors, extended family, classmates can all save lives by paying attention to the most vulnerable among us. We can all prevent a young person from being lured into trafficking by meeting that need inside of them to be loved and wanted and needed ---it’s called relationship. To prevent them from being lured and trafficked, we must stick with these kids and not give up on them. ” (Excerpt from “Human Trafficking and Foster Care…connecting the dots” by Rhonda Sciortino) 33
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) What can you do as a GAL if you suspect one of your youth is at risk but not yet exploited? • ADVOCATE FOR THEM… Work with your GAL Advocacy Team to ensure that the child has a “voice” at all meetings and court hearings (dependency and possibly, delinquency) related to their case. If appropriate, advocate for the child to be present at all their case related meetings and court hearings. If the child has an open delinquency case it is essential that active communication take places with all parties and relevant personnel regarding the child’s case plan, terms of probation, court orders, etc. If there any conflicts in court orders, they must be resolved. 34
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) The Florida Safe Harbor Act went into effect on January 1, 2013 for the purpose of: • Helping ensure the safety of child victims who have been trafficked for sex; and • Allowing children who are rescued from prostitution to receive help from child welfare instead of being placed in juvenile detention. 35
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) In 2016, Florida House Bill 7141 expanded the provisions of the Safe Harbor Act to include: 1. Requiring the Department (DCF) to develop or adopt a screening instrument for – Identification of sexually exploited children – Service Planning – Placement for these children 2. Provide minimum standards to certify a foster home or group home desiring to care for sexually exploited children and young adults. – Upon certification, these licensed settings are identified as Safe Foster Houses or Safe Houses. “Child survivors of commercial sexual exploitation are kids, not criminals. Safe Harbor laws protect them. ” --Carolina De Los Rios Director of Client Services, Polaris Project) (For more information on Safe Houses see slides #36 -44, CBI Attorney training for Child Trafficking. ) 36
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) In compliance with the law, the Department created a Risk Assessment Tool that states children (6 and over) and young adults with any of the following must be screened: • • • History of sexual abuse History of running away History of prostitution or a current arrest on a charge of prostitution Acknowledges being trafficked; and , If there is a report of sexual exploitation. --Florida Administrative Code 65 C-43. 001 37
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) REMEMBER: A child does not necessarily come into the system as a victim of trafficking. The GAL may be the first to know the child is a victim! 38
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) The child needs to hear: • • You are safe now. You are a victim, not a criminal. You can trust me. You have rights. National Sexual Violence Resource Center- A Guide for Victim Advocates 39
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) A GAL can help a child who has been sexually exploited to understand play a critical role in the development of their case plan and “Child Placement Agreement. ” What IS a “Child Placement Agreement? ” 40
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) There are two types of a Child Placement Agreement: 1) Care Precautions (less restrictive); and 2) A Behavior Management Plan • Alleged or known victims of sexual abuse or CSEC are required to have Care Precautions in place. To learn more about the Child Placement Agreement and the particulars of Care Precautions go to: http: //centervideo. forest. usf. edu/childplacement/start. html 41
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Helpyouryouth set up a support system. Developing and sustaining a robust support system is critical to successfully exiting exploitive relationships and/or situations. 42
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Consider the following: It is critical to engage the youth in identifying where to draw from in building a healthy support system. • • • A survivor mentor Faith communities and faith-based organizations Peer support groups Family location services such as family finding (if needed) Extended foster care program (if appropriate) As their GAL, you are an important part of their support system! 43
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Child Protective Investigat or Child Legal Services Attorney * Attorney ad Litem Achieving best interest for a child victim of CSEC requires collaboration among various entities. This is known as the “Multidisciplinary Approach”. In addition to your Advocacy Team, as a GAL you will be working with: Law Enforceme nt Child’s School / Child Care Provider Child Service Provider s (includes therapist ) Parents’ Attorney * Attorney ad Litem is required by Statute to represent the child’s expressed wishes Immigrati on Authoritie s Case Manager (if needed) 44
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) When working with a victim of human trafficking (Labor or CSEC), the GAL Advocacy Team must work together to: • Support the victim in identifying and accessing options that enable him or her in the healing process. • Maintain confidentiality (this is crucial as the child may be a witness in a criminal case). Please refer to slides #27 -29 of the CBI Attorney Training for Child Trafficking for more information regarding the importance of confidentiality.
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) (continued from previous slide) When working with a victim of human trafficking (Labor or CSEC), the GAL Advocacy Team must work together to also : • Seek care for medical and mental health needs. • Secure a safe placement. • Provide resources for basic needs, i. e. , clothing, transportation. • Address educational issues. • Provide immigration assistance, if needed.
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) IN CLOSING… “The best advocacy may start at home, through coordination of resources, information sharing, and continuous dialogue between professionals about what they are seeing, and what is not working in their practices. CSEC is a crime that thrives on silence. The more attorneys and advocates can do to encourage open dialogue about prevention and intervention, the greater the hope to achieve better outcomes for survivors. ” (Excerpt from “Advocacy Outside the Life: A Guide to Using Legal Services to Build a Public Systems Safety Net for Child Survivors of CSEC”) 47
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) 48
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) The purpose of this “Tips to Grow” section is to help you grow in your advocacy knowledge and skills. There may be other specific tips for resources in your area or additional tips you can suggest that would benefit all members of the team when advocating for children. Many thanks to the Redefining Refuge Safe House Program for the advocacy tips we used in the development of this material. 49
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) CONFIDENTIALITY is crucial. Do not share information regarding a placement, school, visitation schedule, day care or activities. The victimizer could use that information to gain control over the child again. 50
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) When advocating for a child who is a victim of CSEC, do not give them cash or VISA gift cards due to the potential accessibility of obtaining transportation or contraband during a runaway episode. Do provide gift cards to specific favorite stores such as, Target, Walmart, etc. (Make sure the child’s placement is aware of your gift. ) 51
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) To ensure continued safety, the child should not be allowed to use a cell phone unsupervised or to access applications or text messaging. Do encourage the child to talk to family members, mentors, and friends who are on their formally approved list of contacts. 52
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Go on outings with the child, but ensure the child is supervised during the entire length of the activity – including a plan for restroom breaks. Do not take the child to an area where he/she was trafficked – this includes malls, parks or convenience stores in that area. Pick a safe place and activity. 53
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) If a child has access to a computer while under your supervision, be mindful of the sites he/she is visiting. It is common for a child to search for their perpetrators –often looking up their mug shots and story of the arrest. Ensuring the child is receiving needed counseling and/or therapy is critical. Having the opportunity to explore their feelings regarding the victimization will aid with coping skills. 54
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Do allow the child to talk openly about his/her perpetrator. If you discredit or question the child’s feelings, he/she may feel judged or misunderstood and this will negatively impact their relationship with you. 55
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Treat survivors like they are more than their victimization. It is part of their experience; it is not their whole experience. 56
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) It takes patience. Understand that many survivors have a lack of belief in humanity. Youth may be slow to build rapport or trust. 57
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Shelter, school and therapy are critical, but are NOT ENOUGH. CSEC victims and survivors need unconditional loving care, patience and understanding in order to heal. 58
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Always consider safety first when working with child trafficking victims and survivors. Is your meeting or outing safe? Be aware if anyone is still pursuing the child. 59
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Re-victimization is part of the CSEC recovery process. Advocates and service providers should remain supportive and non-judgmental. 60
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Normalcy must support therapeutic process. Follow-up regularly with the caregiver to receive feedback regarding the child’s progress in normalcy. Trauma history must be considered appropriate normalcy activities. in determining 61
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Are you familiar with these terms? Automatic �Bottom �Branding �Brothel �Caught a Case �Choosing Up �Circuit �Daddy �Date �Escort Service �Exit Fee �Family (Folks) �Finesse Pimp �Gorilla Pimp �“John” �Kiddie Stroll �Lot Lizard �Madam �Out of Pocket �Pimp Circle �Quota �Reckless Eyeballing �Renegade �Seasoning �Squaring Up �Stable �The Game (The Life) �Trade Up (Down) �Trick �Turn Out �Wifeys If not, please go to this website to learn what they mean. http: //sharedhope. org/the-problem/trafficking-terms/ Learning about these terms will help you to gain a broader understanding of what you may hear from children who have been sexually exploited. 62
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Review the “Child Trafficking Checklist” as a useful guide when working with child victims. Guardian ad Litem “Child Trafficking Checklist” 63
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) RESOURCES 64
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) • Florida’s Center for Child Welfare / Child Placement Agreement video (50: 58) • www. guardianadlitem. org • Chapter 39, Florida Statutes • H. E. A. T. WATCH (Richard Estes, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Work for Youth, CSEC) • Human Trafficking Search 65
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) • www. kristihouse. org • National Coalition for Homelessness (Issues) • National Sexual Violence Resource Center, a Guide for Victim Advocates • Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Sex Trafficking (Adams, Owens, and Small, 2010; Greenbaum 2014) • Polaris Project (Human Trafficking) 66
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) • Redefining Refuge Safe House Program • “Human Trafficking and Foster Care…connecting the dots” (Rhonda Sciortino) • Trafficking Terms • Child Trafficking Checklist 67
Chapter 39 Sincere appreciation to the following for their assistance with the content and/or review of this material: • Redesigning Refuge Safe House Program • Kimberly Grabert, Florida Department of Children and Families www. Guardianad. Litem. org
Trafficking of Children Child Labor & Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) This concludes the GAL Staff/Advocate portion of training. If you have any questions regarding any of the information presented in this material please do not hesitate to ask your local point of contact for assistance. 69
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