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.
Presenter: Kristina Wilburn and Kara Napolitano
