The human trafficking of children for sex in Illinois happens in every small town and big city throughout the state. In 2016, DCFS investigated 143 calls to the hotline for allegations of Human Trafficking. Many of the reports involved children being victimized within blocks of where they live. Trafficking is not just an issue that happens to people in other countries. The United States is a source and transit country, and is also considered one of the top destination points for victims of child trafficking and exploitation. Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 50 U.S. States; anyone can be trafficked regardless of race, class, education, gender, age, or citizenship when forcefully coerced or enticed by false promises (source: unicefusa.org). It’s important to remember that anyone under the age of 18 involved in this crime is a victim. The public can help us stop this crime by knowing the signs and by reporting it. What are some potential indicators of trafficking a child? The child may:

• Show signs of physical harm
• Become depressed, fearful or withdrawn
• Have a history of running away or currently be on run
• Have expensive clothing, jewelry, manicures, pedicures, etc.
• Begin spending time with an older boyfriend or girlfriend
• Be found in a hotel/motel
• Have new tattoos or branding
• Be performing work inappropriate for his or her age
• Become isolated from family, friends or sources of support
• No longer have control of his or her driver’s license or other identification documents

To learn more about how to recognize the signs of human trafficking, visit DCFS.Illinois.gov.