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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Solano County (Supervisor James)
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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 2026 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 in California.
The theme for Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2026 is that everyday connections play a vital role in preventing human trafficking. National Human Trafficking Prevention Month reminds all Solano County residents to remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, and invest in everyday actions to build strong relationships.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with purchasing and preparing the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2025/26 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 in 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 fifth-largest economy, and extensive international border, is considered one of the top four states 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. Specifically, Solano County Child Welfare Services works with a variety of partners to serve the foster youth population who are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) or are being trafficked. Local partners 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 CSEC, including foster youth.
The Seneca Family of Agencies coordinates and convenes 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, the Seneca Family of Agencies conducts outreach to the community, raising awareness of this critical issue.
Child Welfare Services collaborates with the Solano County Behavioral Health Division to support foster youth who have run away from placement or are at risk of CSEC. Behavioral Health clinicians conduct community and individual outreach to identified youth. Screening and linkages to services are provided to the youth to improve their outcomes and prevent further exploitation.
Together, these services along with community members investing in everyday actions to build strong relationships, we can strengthen resilience and help create a future free from human trafficking.
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