Ga. lawmakers looking to protect child human trafficking victims – WRDW

Report on Legislative Efforts to Protect Child Victims of Human Trafficking in Georgia

Introduction

Georgia lawmakers are advancing initiatives to safeguard child victims of human trafficking, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Current Human Trafficking Statistics in Georgia

1. The National Human Trafficking Hotline received 876 signals from Georgia in 2024, including 299 from victims or survivors.
2. 342 cases were identified involving 573 victims; among 328 victims with collected demographics, 76 were under 18 years old.
3. Georgia’s Crime Information Center reported 316 human trafficking cases in 2024, based on law enforcement data which may be incomplete due to inconsistent reporting.

Historical Context and Existing Support Systems

• From July 2017 to March 2018, the state hotline for domestic minor sex trafficking received 1,897 calls, as reported by the Georgia Commission to Combat Human Trafficking.
• In 2020, the original hotline was dissolved following the merger of Georgia Cares, a nonprofit serving child sex trafficking victims, with Street Grace, a nationwide nonprofit focused on ending sexual exploitation of children.
• Street Grace currently operates a hotline at 1-833-FREE2BE to provide resources to victims.

Proposed Legislation: House Bill 1043

On January 27, 2024, House Bill 1043 was introduced to establish a comprehensive statewide system to support youth victims and survivors of human trafficking. The bill emphasizes the following key components:

Creation of a New Office

• Establishment of the Georgia Child and Youth Trafficking Care Coordination Office under the Department of Human Services.
• Responsibilities include developing a statewide hotline and reporting portal, implementing a care coordination system, creating regional offices, maintaining a statewide data system, and providing training and resources for professionals working with victims.

Local and Educational Protocols

• Mandate for counties and municipalities to adopt trafficking response protocols and designate local coordinators.
• Development of model trafficking policies for schools, with local school boards required to adopt policies consistent with these models.

Legal and Protective Measures

• Introduction of a new abuse indicator termed “familial trafficking,” defined as trafficking committed by family members or caregivers, classified as aggravated child abuse.
• Provision for emergency removal of children in cases of familial trafficking.
• Protection of child victims from prosecution for offenses resulting from trafficking.

Accountability and Reporting

• Requirement for the new office to publish an annual public report on its activities and progress.
• Projected effective date of July 1, 2026, contingent upon passage by the Georgia House and Senate and the Governor’s approval.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

This legislative effort supports multiple SDGs by:

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Enhancing care and protection for vulnerable children.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Implementing school policies to prevent trafficking and support affected students.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Addressing exploitation that disproportionately affects girls and young women.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Combating forced labor and exploitation.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Strengthening legal frameworks, ensuring justice for victims, and promoting strong institutional responses.

Conclusion

The proposed House Bill 1043 represents a significant step toward a coordinated, statewide response to child human trafficking in Georgia. By establishing dedicated infrastructure, legal protections, and community protocols, the bill aims to enhance victim support and prevention efforts in alignment with global sustainable development objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses efforts to protect child victims of human trafficking, many of whom are likely girls and young women, addressing gender-based violence and exploitation.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Human trafficking is a form of forced labor and exploitation, which SDG 8 aims to eradicate.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article highlights legislative efforts, law enforcement data, and the creation of a statewide system to support victims, aligning with SDG 16’s focus on justice, protection of vulnerable populations, and building effective institutions.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Protecting child victims and providing care coordination relates to ensuring health and well-being for vulnerable children.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 5 – Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
2. SDG 8 – Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
3. SDG 16 – Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
4. SDG 16 – Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels (implied by the creation of a new office and statewide coordination system).
5. SDG 3 – Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being (implied through care coordination and support services for victims).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Number of human trafficking cases reported: The article cites data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline and Georgia Crime Information Center, showing the number of cases and victims identified.
• Number of calls to hotlines: Calls received by the state hotline and Street Grace hotline are used as indicators of outreach and victim identification.
• Demographics of victims: Data on age and victim status (e.g., under 18) help measure the scope and target groups affected.
• Legislative progress: Passage and implementation of House Bill 1043, establishment of new offices, protocols, and policies can serve as qualitative indicators of institutional response.
• Annual public reports: The bill requires annual reporting, which would provide systematic data to track progress.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wrdw.com