A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) sheds light on the various challenges faced in raising public awareness of child trafficking and supporting survivors. The study, based on interviews with federal officials and 13 stakeholders, uncovers misperceptions, service gaps, and the need for specialized collaboration mechanisms and performance goals to combat child trafficking effectively.
Challenges in Public Awareness and Support
The GAO’s findings reveal significant challenges in dispelling public misperceptions about child trafficking. Stakeholders identified misunderstandings regarding which children are trafficked, the methods used, and the specific needs of child survivors. Children detained by law enforcement may not receive the necessary services to address their trafficking experiences, and certain populations, such as boys, survivors of labor trafficking, and foreign national children, face a lack of dedicated services. Additionally, limited data and research on child trafficking further complicate efforts to combat this crime.
Collaboration Mechanisms and Distinct Needs
While the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) collaborate to address human trafficking, the GAO highlights a significant gap in the absence of a dedicated collaboration mechanism for child trafficking. Officials acknowledged that children have distinct needs, requiring specialized counselling due to developmental differences. Establishing a collaboration mechanism focused solely on child trafficking would enhance the ability to overcome challenges specific to children and meet their unique needs.
Strategic Goals and Performance Measurement
Both OVC and OTIP have set strategic goals to measure the success of their anti-trafficking programs for children. However, OVC lacks plans to establish performance goals, a crucial step in defining program objectives and assessing progress in combating child trafficking. The GAO recommends that OVC develop performance goals to enhance its ability to measure the effectiveness of its programs dedicated to addressing child trafficking.
Addressing Vulnerabilities and Risk Factors
Child trafficking is a pervasive issue affecting vulnerable populations, including those experiencing poverty, homelessness, and juvenile justice or child welfare involvement. Foreign national children arriving unaccompanied in the U.S. are also at heightened risk of victimization. The GAO report underscores the importance of tailored strategies to address these vulnerabilities and protect at-risk children from falling prey to human traffickers.
Conclusion and Future Steps
As the GAO report brings attention to the challenges in addressing child trafficking, it calls for a renewed focus on collaboration, specialized approaches, and performance measurement. The findings are expected to guide federal agencies, particularly OVC and OTIP, in refining their strategies and ensuring more effective programs for combatting child trafficking. The GAO’s recommendations point towards a comprehensive and targeted approach to safeguarding the well-being of children at risk of exploitation and trafficking in the United States.
Read the full GAO report here.
