Content & Support Disclaimer: This episode features in-depth discussion of human trafficking involving children and young adults. While essential for awareness, some details may be distressing or triggering. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

In this episode, Dr. Joan Reid, professor of criminology at the University of South Florida and director of the USF Trafficking in Persons Research Lab, explains how her research is helping create solutions to prevent trafficking.

Her key goals include:

- Developing more effective ways to connect trafficking survivors to services.

- Supporting child welfare professionals’ efforts to help victims and survivors.

Dr. Reid has written more than 60 articles focused on child sex trafficking in Florida, including groundbreaking research documenting a disproportionate risk of exploitation in sex trafficking among children with disabilities. Her research has been used in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and state courts.

Tune in to learn how Dr. Reid’s research is influencing government policy and helping Florida to become a leader in data-driven policy targeting human trafficking.

Dr. Reid encourages child welfare professionals and anti-trafficking programs to contact the USF Trafficking in Persons Research Lab to learn how to better serve trafficking victims and survivors. Find resources here: https://www.usftiplab.org/resources/

If you—or someone you know—needs help or wishes to report trafficking, here are 24/7 confidential resources:

National Human Trafficking Hotline

Phone: 1‑888‑373‑7888

Text: HELP → 233733 (“BEFREE”)

TTY (hearing impaired): 711

Email: [email protected]

Live Chat: via humantraffickinghotline.org

Child Abuse & Exploitation Specific Hotlines:

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1‑800‑422‑4453

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1‑800‑843‑5678 or report online at Cybertipline.org [youth.gov]

Florida-specific Support

Florida Abuse Hotline (for children/vulnerable adults): 1‑800‑96‑ABUSE (1‑800‑962‑2873) [myflfamilies.com], [floridahealth.gov]

Florida Human Trafficking Reporting Line: 1‑855‑FLA‑SAFE (1‑855‑352‑7233) [djj.state.fl.us], [floridahealth.gov]

Office of Human Trafficking Intervention (FL Dept. Juvenile Justice): (850) 717‑2714 [djj.state.fl.us]

Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.

Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU

Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare

http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare

Host:  Lauren Herod

Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring