Human trafficking is the exploitation of people for commercial sex or labor against their will. According to a 2016 study by The University of Texas at Austin, an estimated 79,000 youth are victims of sex trafficking in Texas.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) have launched a new donation account to raise funds for youth survivors of human trafficking. All money raised will provide housing and treatment services to children and adolescents impacted by human trafficking.
“The State of Texas is committed to eradicating the scourge of human trafficking in our communities, and we will stop at nothing to ensure justice and healing for survivors of this horrific crime,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “I was proud to sign HB 2633 into law during the 87th Legislative Session, which bolsters our anti-human trafficking efforts by ensuring that youth survivors have access to the resources and services they need to heal and recover. The donation fund created through this law serves as a great opportunity for Texans to come together to support survivors of human trafficking.”
The fund’s creation is a joint effort by the HHSC, Department of Information Resources, Texas Comptroller’s Office, and Department of Family and Protective Services.
“Children and young adults who have been trafficked and exploited have experienced terrible trauma, and with the funds we raise in this account, we will provide specific trauma-informed services to help these young Texans heal in their recovery,” said Michael Roberts, HHSC associate commissioner of Specialty and Family Services.
Program services include:
- Immediate trauma support for youth recovering from human trafficking
- Wraparound services, such as trauma-informed mental and behavioral health services, medical care and referrals, substance use treatment, and legal advocacy, to support continuity of care
- Safe and secure shelter that considers the clear and present danger of organized crime to the children and youth housed in the facilities
To donate, visit https://www.texas.gov/StopTrafficking/. For more information about human trafficking, visit the HHSC Human Trafficking Resource Center.