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Human Trafficking in Ohio

If you have a tip about human trafficking, please call 1-855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446).

 

Background - Human Trafficking (sex and labor trafficking) is a growing problem globally and right here in Ohio.  Particularly for minors that have been trafficked, ensuring the minor is treated as a victim, not offender, is of prime importance.  The child welfare system is a key community partner in identification and service of at risk teens (preliminary research indicates youth that have been sexually abused or are repeat runaways are at high risk for being trafficked).  Collaboration with law enforcement for the purpose of investigating and prosecuting the traffickers is critical, as is linking these youth to key services including traum informed care and services.

 

Human Trafficking Commission human trafficking logo

Attorney General Mike DeWine has continued strong leadership for the Ohio Human Trafficking Commission (originally convened under former Ohio Attorney General Rich Cordray). The Commission is working on acting on earlier recommendations and continuing work on various fronts. The OAG Human Trafficking Commission's webpage offers a variety of resources, accessible here here. The subcommittee on Prevention, Education and Outreach was chaired by PCSAO Executive Director Crystal Ward Allen, click here to review the report and see national and regional resources.

 

Human Trafficking Resources

If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Resource Center hot line, 1-888-3737-888.

  • Understanding and Meeting the Social Service Needs of Trafficking Victims – Michelle Hannan, Central Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition, presented Jan. 12, 2012 at the Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Ohio Statehouse

  • Human Trafficking Awareness - Amy S. Allen, Victim/Witness Specialist, Homeland Security Investigations (Ms. Allen had direct child welfare experience and comments), presented Jan. 12, 2012 at the Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Ohio Statehouse

  • Domestic Sex Trafficking - Brent Currence, Ohio Missing Persons Unit, BCI-Special Operations within Ohio Attorney General’s Office, presented Dec. 9, 2011 to PCSAO Executive Membership

  • Video - Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the Ohio Statehouse Museum Gallery on January 12, 2012 sponsored by State Representative Teresa Fedor, of the 47th House District

    • Attorney General Mike DeWine and Rep. Fedor welcome guests to Human Trafficking Awareness Day at the Statehouse

    • Michelle hannah (Salvation Army) and Amy Allen (Dept. of Homeland Security) discuss how to work with victims to help them the most, both from social work and a legal perspective

    • Attorney James Moroney (Dept. of Justice) discuss the recent Willoughby case of human trafficking

    • Jeannette Bradley, a trafficking survivor, discusses human trafficking from a first-person perspective.

  • Comparison Matrix: States with Safe Harbor Laws – compares elements of Safe Harbor Laws in five states: Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Washington

Ohio Legislation

Safe Harbor for Exploited Children (Fedor), HB 262 - The Safe Harbor for Exploited Children bill requires the Departments of Job & Family Services, Health and Mental Health to respond to minors who are victims of human trafficking; ODJFS shall develop procedures for reuniting minors with family members in the minor's country of origin or destination country whenever it is possible and safe to do so; Dept of Commerce to develop posters w/national human trafficking resource center hotline to be displayed in certain locations (highway truck stops, hotels, hospitals, among others); clarifies that a minor is not guilty of solicitation when forced under duress/coercion.