DCF Hosts Human Trafficking Prevention Roundtable

For Immediate Release: January 20, 2023

Contact: HQW.Press.Office@myflfamilies.com 

DCF Hosts Human Trafficking Prevention Roundtable

 

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris hosted a roundtable regarding the prevention of Human Trafficking in the Tampa Region as part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month. 

 

           

 

The Department works diligently to protect Florida’s children from abuse and trafficking through supportive services, including certifying safe houses and safe foster homes to provide secure and specialized residential environments for sexually exploited children. Known or suspected trafficking, neglect, exploitation, and abuse of a child can be reported to DCF’s Florida Abuse Hotline. The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts reports 24/7, and these reports are then investigated by DCF – 1-800-962-2873.

 

“In the fight to end human trafficking, Florida has always taken bold action to support survivors and worked diligently to protect Florida’s children from abuse,” said Secretary Harris. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida will continue to lead the nation in the fight against human trafficking and the Department will continue to ensure that the right services and supports are available to meet the needs of survivors.” 

 

“The Department of Juvenile Justice is proud to work alongside the Florida Department of Children and Families as well as our law enforcement and community partners as we fight to end human trafficking in our state,” said DJJ Secretary Eric Hall. “Through our collaborative efforts, we can support the victims impacted by this heinous crime and provide them with the services they need to recover and rebuild their lives as survivors.”

Judge Robert A. Bauman said, “The OPTION court has given us the unique experience of being able to bring together so many partners so that we can better support victims of human trafficking. The purpose of OPTION court is, understanding that most victims need services to get them to a point where they may prosper. We will continue to provide those options to them or the opportunity to accept services.”

“Human trafficking is a statewide problem that cannot be addressed in silos and by working with our whole community we are better able to take action and keep our community safe. The importance of ending human trafficking and each of our role in it cannot be stressed enough,” said Terri Balliet, CEO Children’s Network of Hillsborough. “It is clear what needs to be done. We must bring more awareness to our area about the impacts of human trafficking and the signs we can look for to be vigilant in our fight.”

“We cannot ignore the fact that human trafficking is happening in our community,” said Dotti Skipper, Anti Trafficking Director, The No More Foundation. “Through advocacy and community outreach we will bring awareness to this terrible crime and continue the fight against human trafficking.”

“Law enforcement must continue taking on a proactive role in bringing a diverse group from the community together so that we can work together on what supports are the most important to focus on,” said Colonel Robert “Bob” Ura. “It is vital to ensure the training of our officers has a human trafficking component, as well are increasing awareness to families about how to keep children safe.”

 

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