According to the NIH, in 2022 an estimated 234,000 people were the victims of trafficking at any given time, with 79,000 of these estimated to be minors in Texas. The COVID-19 pandemic has created circumstances that may increase the risk of trafficking, inhibit identification of those who are trafficked and those who survive trafficking, and make it harder to deliver comprehensive services to support survivors’ recovery. Homelessness and a history of child maltreatment are 2 significant risk factors for trafficking of young people that have increased throughout the pandemic. School nurses need to be aware signs of human trafficking and how to address it as mandatory reporters in line with Texas Family Code 261.001.

This code also requires persons who are licensed or certified by the State or who are an employees of facilities licensed, certified, or operated by the State and who, in the normal course of official duties or duties for which licensure or certification is required, have direct contact with children to report suspected abuse. Professionals include: Nurses, doctors, or employees of a clinic or health-care facility that provides reproductive services, as well as teachers or daycare employees.

The purpose of the professional development, for two hours on November 7, 2023, is to provide human trafficking education and effective training for school nurses. The primary goal is to help educate and assist the new and existing school nurses and school personnel to support positive student engagement and interaction for effective HT identification and prevention.
Topics will include HT to the medical community (utilizing learning from HHS SOAR), and the school setting (using DOE presentation) regarding the role of school health and school nursing in preventing human trafficking, identifying HT, what to look for -looking beneath the surface and effective intervention to human trafficking.

Training is in alignment with COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Grant as it equips new and existing school health personnel by providing information / training / and skills necessary to meet requirements and effectively and efficiently fulfill job duties required of school health personnel.

School Nurses, School Health Personnel, Teachers, Administrators, SROs, Counselors, Social Workers

Administration & Leadership
Counselors
District Support Team
Health Education
Health Services

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