Let's put your new knowledge to the test. Listen closely to this scenario and try to pick up on
the potential indicators of human trafficking. Josh is an openly gay high school freshman. His
teachers recognize him as being extremely smart but has a hard time applying himself. He goes to an
afterschool recreational program with his friends at a nearby community center and has gotten
in trouble a few times for disruptive behavior and once for drinking on the community center's
property. The staff that oversees the afterschool program knows Josh's mom has struggled with drugs
and often has a hard time making ends meet. The staff watch out for all the kids at the
community center but keep a closer eye on kids like Josh who are experiencing hardships at home.
One day, the staff overhears Josh bragging about staying out late partying, using drugs and alcohol,
and showing off wads of cash to other kids. He also mentions hanging out with a new group of men
and how much fun he has being "arm candy" to them. One of the staff members calls Josh's mom to check
in and expresses concern. Josh's mom says, "I let him do what he wants because he's a good kid." She is
very defensive of his behavior, although it is out of character for someone of his age.
The staff member decides to speak with their supervisor to share concerns.
Did you pick up on some of those indicators? Let's recap what the community center staff
observed that may indicate a trafficking situation. Josh exhibits disruptive behavior, such as drinking
on community center property. He experiences hardships at home. He has been partying with
older men. He suddenly has lots of cash. Let's take a look at another scenario. Listen
closely to the scenario and try to pick up on the potential indicators of human trafficking.
Vance is a youth counselor at a local community center where he runs the afterschool program. He
is familiar with most of the kids in his community because so many of them come by the center to get
help with schoolwork or play pick up sports games. Lately, he has noticed a group of kids of
various ages that he has never seen before. They hang out at the corner store across the street
selling candy bars, and sometimes he sees them going door to door in the neighborhood
trying to make sales. He's used to seeing some of the local kids selling candy for school
fundraisers, but there's something different about this group. They are very quiet and submissive, and
they don't appear to go to school because he sees them out selling at all hours of the day.
When one of the kids approaches him to sell him a candy bar, Vance asks him what neighborhood he
lives in, but the child doesn't seem to know the answer. Vance also notices that the kid is
probably not getting enough to eat, and his clothes are in poor condition. The next day,
Vance sees two men in a van drive up to the kids at the corner store. They get out
to talk to the kids, and Vance overhears the men asking them how much money they have made so far.
When the two men don't seem to be happy with the answer, they demand all the kids get in the van,
and they drive off. Vance decides to write down the make, model, and license plate of the van and
report what he saw to the local authorities. Did you pick up on any indicators? Let's recap what
Vance observed that may indicate a trafficking situation. The kids are quiet and submissive.
They don't seem to attend school and are working at all hours of the day. They aren't
familiar with the area. They seem malnourished, and their clothes are in poor condition. The two
men in the van appear to have control over the children and the money they make. Like Vance did,
if something doesn't seem right, take note of what the suspected trafficker or victims looked like.
If you are able to discreetly observe information like vehicle license plates, that information can
be helpful when reporting what you saw. As a first step, follow your organization's reporting protocol
for reporting child endangerment. You can also contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline
and Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line to anonymously report suspected human trafficking.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. For more information about recognizing and
responding to suspected human trafficking, and tips for talking with youth about exploitation,
visit dhs.gov/bluecampaign to access a printable guide for adults who work with or care for youth.