The number of human trafficking victims within the United States and Texas rises each year. Addressing the role the child welfare system plays and prioritizing community-centered initiatives can help put an end to modern-day slavery.

Key points:

  • Human trafficking is a $150 billion industry and enslaves 25 million people worldwide; in 2018, the United States identified 23,078 domestic victims.
  • Texas has the second highest rate of human trafficking in the United States, and the number of identified cases rises each year.
  • Addressing the role of child welfare in trafficking, prioritizing community recognition and response, and aligning Texas law with federal law are effective solutions to help end modern-day slavery.