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Preventing Human Trafficking requires an understanding of what it is, and was it is not. Human Trafficking is not smuggling. Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings, and it happens in every community, including your own.
Among the most vulnerable victims of this crime are children, who are often lured into the trade with false promises of a better life and then forced into labor or sexual exploitation. With the rise of social media, traffickers can easily target and groom children online and reach a large pool of potential victims.
Children who have experienced abuse or neglect are at a higher risk of being trafficked. These children often lack a stable support system and may be seeking love and attention, which traffickers are quick to exploit.
The consequences of human trafficking on children are devastating. Many suffer from injuries and malnutrition from the harsh working conditions to which they are subjected. Many are left with long-lasting psychological and physiological needs.
One of the most concerning aspects of child trafficking is that it often goes unnoticed and unreported. Many victims are too scared or ashamed to seek help, as their traffickers use fear and manipulation to keep them under their control. In some cases, children are not even aware that they are being trafficked, and often believe they have a choice in what they are doing.
Communities across Texas must all work together to put an end to this crime and provide a safe and secure future for all our children.
Each year in January, DFPS staff and stakeholders wear blue to help raise awareness about the importance of human trafficking. We encourage community groups to do the same next year!
If you would like more information on how DFPS works to fight human trafficking, or how you or your group can get involved, visit our website or email our team.
https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Investigations/Human_Trafficking/wear_blue.asp
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During this holiday season, One Community Church (OCC) and FBCE joined forces to support a significant initiative of the year – Christmas! With unwavering enthusiasm, OCC readily agreed to partner with us, promptly creating publications to spread the word about the event. They called upon their parishioners to participate and extend their helping hands to children and families across the DFW area. The response to the donation drive was overwhelming, resulting in a resounding success.
FBCE's Region 3 team had the privilege of attending a service where they had the opportunity to meet families and children whose hearts were brimming with joy and gratitude. Thanks to the incredible generosity of OCC and other donors, we were able to collect over eighty boxes filled with essential items such as food, toys, clothes, jewelry, purses, makeup kits, balls, dolls, board games, books, arts and crafts supplies, and much more.
The impact of this donation alone was remarkable. FBCE collaborated with the HHS Regional team, Furnishing Families of Tarrant County, and our very own Ellen Hannington, to devise a plan for transporting this substantial contribution. Together with other donations, this enabled Region 3 FBCE to organize its first-ever agency-operated Toy Store Event, catering to the metroplex and surrounding counties. The outcome was truly heartwarming, as our team had the privilege of serving over 130 CPI and FBSS workers, 328 families, and 700 children.
This heartwarming collaboration between OCC, FBCE, and our extraordinary partners across the metroplex exemplifies the power of unity and compassion. Together, we were able to make a significant difference in the lives of countless families and children, bringing joy and hope during the holiday season.
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Furnishing Families of Tarrant County moved the many donations to the Toy Store site. Investigations and Family Based Safety Services (FBSS) workers shopped at the Toy Store for their clients.
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In a heartwarming collaboration between amazing community partners in Region 6 and the FBCE Team, 12 youth had an unforgettable end to 2023. They had the incredible opportunity to cheer on their home team, the Houston Texans, at the NRG Stadium. Attending the thrilling New Year's Eve game, they witnessed an exhilarating victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Thanks to the generosity of Julius and Shanda Karow from Kingdom Orphan Care, Lisa Johnson from Entrusted Houston, and the Fort Bend County Child Welfare Board, the youth and CPS staff were provided with 36 game day tickets and Texan's Bucks to enjoy the game and concessions. The surprise outing brought immense joy to the youth, who were thrilled to be a part of the exciting atmosphere and witness the Houston Texans' triumphant win.
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Girl Scout Troop 9684 reached out to the CPS Division in Corpus Christi, Texas, expressing their desire to visit the local Rainbow Room and contribute to the Project Undercover program. Welcomed by Monica Alaniz, an FBCE Specialist from Region 11 North, the troop embarked on a meaningful journey. Media representatives were also present to document the donation and presentation, ensuring that the community would become aware of the pressing needs of the CPS Rainbow Room.
During their visit, the troop had the opportunity to listen to a captivating presentation and explore the facility through a guided tour. The stories shared by an investigator deeply resonated with them, shedding light on how the Rainbow Room serves as a lifeline for both the children in their care and the dedicated staff. From fulfilling urgent needs, to assisting in emergency removals, the Rainbow Room plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable children.
Moved by compassion, the troop made a generous donation to the Rainbow Room. They contributed clothing, blankets, snacks, and toiletries, recognizing the significance of these basic necessities for children facing challenging circumstances. Their act of kindness is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of those in need.
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In November, FBCE Specialist Nisaa Muhammad was in Fort Worth at the Theological Seminary serving with volunteers at an event hosted by Remote Area Medical (RAM).
RAM is a major nonprofit provider of free pop-up clinics. The mission of RAM is to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free, quality healthcare to those in need.
Over 400 people received medical services and other beneficial resources. Nisaa provided resources and information about the role of APS in the community and how to recognize and report abuse, neglect and exploitation.
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All of our Adult Protective Services (APS) clients are special, but we don’t always know a lot about their past. Recently, we discovered one of our clients in Midland is also a local hero.
Mildred Ford has an APS history dating back to 2018. There were concerns reported to APS about possible financial exploitation and neglect, and she spent time in the hospital before being released to a nursing home.
While cleaning up Ms. Ford’s home, we discovered files that showcased her incredible dedication to her lifelong work as a nurse and midwife.
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Ms. Ford was the first African-American nurse at Midland Memorial Hospital. She worked labor and delivery in the basement of the segregated hospital in the 1950s and 1960s. She was also a midwife and delivered more than 300 babies in the Permian Basin area. As times changed and desegregation happened, she continued her work in the area and witnessed the births of hundreds more.
Ms. Ford also took an interest in single mothers and families with scarce resources. She owned three homes in the area to provide housing for these families. If a mother expressed interest in nursing, Ms. Ford mentored her and paid for her first year of schooling.
Mildred Ford (seated) receives her Lifetime Achievement award. Others pictured, from left to right: Beverly Vance, Heather Hale of Midland Memorial Hospital, APS Supervisor Melissa Galloway, Debbie Sisemore of Covenant Outreach, FBCE Specialist Marci Leffler, and APS Specialist Crystal Sarellano
Ms. Ford gave so much of herself to her community, and Adult Protective Services is overjoyed to be able to help her now in her time of need. On October 16, the Permian Basin APS Advisory Board honored Ms. Ford, 98, with a plaque to recognize her contributions to the people of the Permian Basin.
Ms. Ford was noticeably touched by the award and said she “did what needed to be done.”
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