Child trafficking is an ongoing health crisis that demands a paradigm shift from the current downstream, criminal-justice-based, crisis-intervention approach to an upstream, public-health-based, prevention model. Healthcare providers, particularly nurses who consistently rank as the most trusted professionals, are uniquely positioned to identify and respond to trafficking. However, many lack the education and training needed for effective intervention. Additionally, misinformation perpetuated by well-meaning advocates or sensationalized media often misguides efforts, leading to moral distress when awareness is raised without equipping providers for action. To address these challenges, healthcare environments must engage in proactive planning to identify risks early and implement prevention-focused strategies. Pediatric healthcare professionals play a vital role in identifying signs of trafficking, yet the challenges of modern contexts—such as the rise of social media, the effects of social distancing, and the growing emphasis on social justice—add complexity to this responsibility. This presentation highlights innovative, nurse-led programs designed to combat child trafficking, including the development of screening and response protocols across clinical settings, partnerships with schools to implement federally issued trafficking response toolkits, and advocacy for state legislation mandating continuing trafficking education for healthcare providers. Further initiatives include the creation of a train-the-trainer program to amplify evidence-based education, collaboration with a national nursing organization to produce toolkits on trauma-informed care, and the integration of simulation-based learning in academic nursing programs. These efforts showcase how nurses can drive systemic change, empowering healthcare systems to respond more effectively to child trafficking while fostering prevention through education and advocacy.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Dr. Jessica Peck is a Clinical Professor at Baylor University and an influential anti-trafficking advocate. A highly awarded nurse leader, she created the Alliance for Children in Trafficking. Dr. Peck served HHS to create core competencies for health systems. She was instrumental in legislation mandating continuing education in Texas.