Despite increased awareness of human trafficking, minors who have experienced exploitation or are at risk are still frequently overlooked or misidentified. These youth often end up in detention centers, disengage from school, or turn to substances to cope with complex trauma. How can professionals begin to recognize trafficking when it manifests in everyday scenarios including survival sex and forced criminality to the labor exploitation of unaccompanied minors? And once it is identified, what concrete steps can be taken to prevent or disrupt the cycle of exploitation?
This session, presented by the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT), will explore how professionals across child welfare, juvenile justice, education, and behavioral health can work together to support youth survivors without unintentionally causing further harm. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of both sex and labor trafficking among minors in Colorado and learn practical strategies for prevention, early identification, intervention, and family engagement. The session will also provide guidance on navigating local, state, and national resources, including recent legal protections, statewide service providers and referral pathways, and tailored, Colorado-specific tools to ensure youth survivors have access to comprehensive support and safety.
Presenters: Kristina Wilburn and Kara Napolitano
