Human trafficking affects all communities, schools, socioeconomic groups, and student demographics, occurring in rural, suburban, and urban areas across the country. In 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 16,999 victims and survivors, with at least 2,535 being under 18. Many of these underage victims are students in American schools, including in Kentucky.
Requirements for Kentucky Schools
Kentucky House Bill 524 (2017) amends KRS 156.095 to require public schools to display the National Human Trafficking Reporting Hotline, which is 1-888-373-7888.
Key Materials for Schools
Human Trafficking Overview
Human trafficking is the exploitation of another individual for labor and/or commercial sex though the use of fraud, force, or coercion. Kentucky passed the Human Trafficking Victims' Rights Act in 2013, which includes the “safe harbor” component that is aimed at protecting the youngest victims from prosecution and by mandating services for their recovery.
Report Human Trafficking
Every person who works in a school system has the potential to be an advocate for child victims of human trafficking. School personnel should then report suspected victimization. The National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) is an anonymous reporting tool that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, all adults in Kentucky are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse.
Pursuant to KRS 620.030, Kentucky is a mandated reporter state meaning that suspected trafficking of a minor must be immediately reported to the Cabinet. You may call the Child Protection Hotline (1-877-KYSAFE1 or 1-877-597-2331) or use the Kentucky Child/Adult Protective Services Reporting System website. When reporting, document the date, time, intake identification number and the name of the individual who took the report.
Human Trafficking Protocol for Schools
In collaboration with the Human Trafficking State Task Force, KDE is working to create awareness on the issue of child human trafficking. As a result, a one-page protocol was created. This protocol lists indicators of trafficking, how to report suspected cases, and tips after reporting was created. After reporting a suspected case, educators must be cautious not to intervene in a way that might jeopardize an investigation because victims are under the power and control of the trafficker and often try to protect the trafficker. The protocol can be displayed in your schools and shared with educators.
Additional Resources on Human Trafficking in Schools
Addressing Human Trafficking in America’s Schools Resources by the National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments including a Webinar Series
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Healthy Students’ report on Human Trafficking in America’s Schools
Kentucky Report Card on Child and Youth Sex Trafficking by Shared Hope International