Dear community member,
Human trafficking impacts many thousands of victims each year across the U.S., and we know youth are especially vulnerable.
According to statistics compiled by the National Human Trafficking Hotline in 2021, at least 23% of identified victims were under the age of 18 – and the ages of an additional 19% of victims were unknown. Unfortunately, the wider Bay Area region, including Santa Cruz County, was identified as a hot spot in the National Human Trafficking Hotline statistics.
As part of our commitment to supporting a safe, informed, and engaged school community, the Santa Cruz COE recently has been working with partners such as Rising Worldwide to compile a resource guide for families and educators. We released those resources this week, which can viewed on our website.
I am also pleased to share that the Santa Cruz County Board of Education yesterday adopted a resolution recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Together, we can do our part to raise awareness, prevent human trafficking, and support the safety of our children.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
County Superintendent of Schools