 YOU CAN HELP PREVENT CHILD LABOR
Childhood should be about spending time with family and friends, not illegally working in a factory to make consumer goods. However, traffickers often target children and can exploit them for labor. First-time job seekers in high school might not recognize false promises from an unscrupulous employer. A child entering the United States without a trusted adult to protect them faces an increased risk of this kind of exploitation.
June 12 was World Day Against Child Labor, an opportunity to learn where child labor might show up in your life or community and how you can help address it. Visit our Forced Labor page to learn the signs that someone may be working against their will and the products to avoid that are made using child labor. If you know or mentor teens who may be looking for their first job, teach them how to spot false job promises. Remember, everyone can do their part to prevent child labor and exploitation.
Spot the Signs This Summer
Are you planning your upcoming summer vacation? Is your job preparing for a seasonal surge of people? Summertime comes with many people moving in and out of the country for family travel or for large, international events like the World Cup. That can mean more eyes looking to lure victims into exploitation, but it can also mean more eyes looking for signs of trouble and reporting what they see.
You can learn how to identify potential trafficking victims with Blue Campaign resources like this indicator card, available in multiple languages and small enough to keep in your wallet. Share human trafficking awareness posters and social media posts with your community to get eyes on more than just the match during this year’s World Cup. Blue Campaign also has training and resources tailored for people who work in industries like retail, hospitality, and aviation.
Before you finalize your travel plans, make sure human trafficking awareness is on your itinerary.
AT THE CENTER
Refresher About The DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking
The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) coordinates efforts to combat sex trafficking and forced labor. Led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Center brings together experts from across DHS to support investigations, strengthen partnerships, protect victims, and raise public awareness about human trafficking.
CCHT provides investigative support, intelligence analysis, training, outreach, and victim-centered tools designed to help identify and assist survivors and hold traffickers accountable. The Center also supports efforts to prevent goods made with forced labor from entering U.S. supply chains.
In addition to investigations, the Center focuses on education and prevention. Through the Blue Campaign, the Center offers public awareness materials, webinars, trainings, and other resources to help communities recognize the indicators of sex trafficking and forced labor.
The CCHT also works closely with state, local, Tribal organizations, community organizations, private industry, and international partners. Through these partnerships, the Center continues to advance DHS’s mission to combat exploitation and protect vulnerable populations.
To learn more about the Center’s mission, resources, and training opportunities, visit our website.
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NEWS IN AND AROUND THE COUNTER-TRAFFICKING COMMUNITY
Delaware Introduces Legislation to Raise Human Trafficking Awareness at Tattoo Parlors
The State of Delaware recently introduced a bill requiring tattoo parlors across the state to post signage related to human trafficking. Signage must be visible – displayed in the parlor window or a similar location – with language developed alongside the state’s Anti-Trafficking Action Council.
The bill also requires Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services to encourage parlors and body piercing business employees to complete training on how to recognize and report signs of human trafficking, according to the bill. Training would be voluntary and free. Employees would also learn how to refer clients to appropriate resources.
Often, victims of trafficking are tattooed or branded as a mark of ownership, according to primary bill sponsor Rep. DeShanna Neal.
The legislation – also known as the “Ink of Hope Act” – would allow officials to pinpoint gaps that remain in Delaware and equip tattoo parlors to identify and report potential signs.
Sen. Nicole Poore, the bill’s primary backer in the state Senate, told committee members this bill is “a practical step” to help fight against human trafficking in Delaware.
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