The United States is considered one of the top destination points for child trafficking with cases reported in all 50 states, including 143 investigated calls to the hotline for allegations of human trafficking in 2016 by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
With this in mind, the Illinois DCFS has declared January Human Trafficking Awareness month.
DCFS is asking people to be aware of the signs a child is being trafficked and report it immediately by calling 911 or the DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1-800- 25-ABUSE. DCFS receives, investigates and acts upon a report of child abuse or neglect every five minutes.
Signs a child is involved in human trafficking include depression, withdrawal, running away, suddenly receiving new clothes, jewelry or manicures, spending time with an older boyfriend or girlfriend, being found in a hotel, showing new tattoos or branding, doing a job that is not appropriate for his or her age, becoming isolated from family and friends, or no longer having their driver’s license or identification.
To learn more about how to recognize the signs of human trafficking, visit www.dcfs.illinois.gov.
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