A new study by the Department of Family Services (DFPS) is showing a growing number of runaways from foster care are becoming victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse. (SBG San Antonio)
SAN ANTONIO - A new study by the Department of Family Services (DFPS) is showing a growing number of runaways from foster care are becoming victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse.
The numbers from DFPS are statewide and are almost double of the year before. The report is looking at children in DFPS conservatorship from fiscal year 2018.
52 children reported that they were trafficked last year, which is a big jump compared to 2017 where there was 35.
The numbers of reports of sexual abuse are more staggering.
68 children reported they we sexually abused after running away last year. That’s compared to 34 from 2017.
The Salvation Army, who works to help survivors of human trafficking, say people should always keep an eye out for signs of suspected children being trafficked.
“Instinct is such a powerful thing, and a lot of times, if you see a situation and you know there’s something not right about it that instinct, I always tell people to go with it,” said Roxanne Ponce, program manager with The Salvation Army.
The study also show girls are 10% more likely to run away from foster care than boys.
DFPS is working to fight human trafficking and abuse of the kids in foster care by working with several non-profit organizations and law enforcement.
No comments:
Post a Comment