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Adopt a resolution recognizing the month of January 2025 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution recognizing January 2025 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month is observed in January to increase awareness of human trafficking. Human trafficking involves exploitation which comes in many forms including: forcing victims into prostitution, subjecting victims to slavery or involuntary servitude and compelling victims to commit sex acts for the purpose of creating pornography. Human trafficking is a global problem, impacting nearly every country, and remains a growing issue in the United States, particularly California. National Human Trafficking Prevention Month reminds all Solano County residents to be aware of their surroundings.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. The costs associated with purchasing and preparing the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. There is no additional financial impact on the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month is a presidentially designated observance designed to educate the public about human trafficking and the role they can play in preventing and responding to human trafficking. Human trafficking is an illegal trade in human beings and involves the recruitment, transfer or obtaining of an individual through coercion, abduction, fraud, or force to exploit them. That exploitation can range from forced labor to forced marriage or commercial sex work - and the exploiter can be anyone, including strangers, neighbors, or family members. Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit, or destination for victims. Most people are trafficked within their own countries and the majority are entrapped into forced labor.
Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Human trafficking continues to be a growing problem in the United States and around the world. California, with its large immigrant communities, the world’s 5th largest economy, and extensive international border, is considered one of the top four locations in the United States for human trafficking.
According to Hope for Justice, a non-profit charity working to bring freedom from human trafficking and modern slavery, human traffickers employ diverse tactics such as force, fraud, and coercion to exert control and exploit their victims. The dynamics of trafficking are rooted in power and control, trapping victims in a cycle of fear and dependency. Psychological trauma, absence of proper documentation, shame, and emotional bonds further hinder victims from extricating themselves from their perilous situations.
Solano County endeavors to address all forms of human trafficking facing adults and children. Because human trafficking is a multifaceted and complex challenge, multiple agencies and County departments work to address different components. Some local partners specifically focus on the work of preventing and addressing commercial sexual exploitation of children and youth and they strive to meet the needs of children and youth utilizing innovative approaches and practices.
The Solano and Napa Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner - Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE-SART), in collaboration with the Solano Anti-Trafficking Coalition, started a comprehensive program in 2022 for human trafficking victims that provides a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, intensive case management, legal support, victim advocacy and mental health treatment. SANE-SART also operates the Solano County Child Advocacy Center and Courage Center 2, which provides 24-hour emergency forensic interviews for commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC).
To support at-risk youth living in foster care, Child Welfare Services partners with Seneca Family of Agencies to coordinate and convene multi-disciplinary team meetings on behalf of families and youth facing CSEC issues. Multi-disciplinary team meetings with youth and families are victim-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. Additionally, Seneca Family of Agencies conducts outreach to the community, raising awareness of this critical issue.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt the resolution. This is not recommended because this is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote community discussion regarding the prevention of human trafficking.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Steering Committee are collaborative teams of the Health and Social Services Department’s Child Welfare Services and Behavioral Health divisions, law enforcement, SANE-SART, the District Attorney’s Office, Solano County Office of Education (SCOE), and a host of community-based organizations, who are committed to increasing awareness and supporting victims so they may be routed to appropriate services.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION