January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is joining forces with the Illinois State Police (ISP), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and various community organizations to raise awareness of Human Trafficking, one of the most under-reported and under-identified crimes. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for labor or commercial sex purposes. Millions of men, women and children are trafficked worldwide, including in Illinois. As we reflect on this critical issue, it is essential to recognize the collaborative efforts across agencies and community organizations working together to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.
“Human trafficking is a pervasive issue that effects every corner of our nation, from bustling cities to small rural towns, and no community is immune,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. “This crime can impact anyone, and it is especially critical that we remain vigilant in protecting vulnerable children and youth from exploitation. Through our ongoing collaborations with law enforcement, community organizations and dedicated service providers, we are strengthening our ability to fight human trafficking to ensure the safety and well-being of Illinois’ children and youth.”
Building on this commitment, DCFS is taking proactive steps in January to raise awareness and support survivors of human trafficking. Through continued partnerships with other state agencies and community organizations, the department will host several key events. These events will foster a community that is aware, supportive, and hopeful for a future free from trafficking.
On January 16 and 30, DCFS’ contracted provider, Power Project, will offer training for DCFS staff, focusing on better identifying and supporting survivors of human trafficking. Additionally, DCFS will collaborate with Girls Night Out Outreach Events on January 11 and 24. Volunteers from DCFS and other community organizations will distribute food, blankets, and resources in the Chicago area providing support to individuals seeking to leave lives of exploitation. These events will offer HIV/AIDS testing, drug treatment options, and safe house placements. The DCFS Statewide Human Trafficking Prevention Program Manager will also present at various programs to educate and raise awareness about the ongoing issue.
Illinois DCFS is also partnering with ISP, IDHS, and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Illinois (CAC) through the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group. In 2024, these agencies were awarded a three-year, $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime to develop and implement protocols and training for DCFS, CAC, law enforcement and service providers to ensure a victim-centered, trauma-informed response to child and youth victims of human trafficking across the state.
Illinois DCFS is also partnering with ISP, IDHS and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Illinois through the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group. This working group was awarded a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime to provide implantation, launch and training.
“Through enhanced training and focused operations, ISP continues to equip our officers with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify trafficking situations and respond effectively,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
“Continued collaboration with DCFS is key to combat human trafficking and strengthen prevention and public education,” said IDHS Secretary Designate Dulce M. Quintero. “These partnerships have a broad reach and will increase the state’s support for survivors at a community level. I want to thank our sister agencies and all those joining us in these proactive efforts.”
By working together—across agencies and with our partners in law enforcement and the community—Illinois is taking critical steps toward ending human trafficking. We can protect and empower the vulnerable with shared responsibility and unwavering commitment, ensuring no one is left behind in this fight.
To report suspected human trafficking or seek help, contact:
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: www.humantraffickinghotline.org, 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
- Illinois State Police Investigative Tips website: https://isptips.illinois.gov/.
- For children at risk, immediately call 911 and the DCFS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873).
About the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Currently celebrating 60 years as the nation’s first cabinet-level child welfare agency, DCFS is responsible for protecting children from abuse or neglect by responding to reports received by the Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-2873 (1-800-25-ABUSE) or childabuse.illinois.gov (non-emergency). With the goal of keeping children safe, DCFS strengthens and supports families with a wide range of services. In the event a child must be removed from the home, DCFS makes every effort to reunite them with their family. When the best interest of the child makes this impossible (less than 4% of the time), DCFS is committed to pursuing guardianship and fictive kin as primary options.
***Courtesy of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services***
