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. Charrita Ernewein, assistant professor at the University of Tampa and director of community education for the FREE Network, joins host Lauren Herod to discuss efforts to prevent human trafficking in Florida. As a destination state, Florida ranks among the highest in the nation in human trafficking rates, according to a 2024 state report.
In her role at the FREE Network, Dr. Ernewein focuses on human trafficking education, advocacy, and collaboration. She works to bring together organizations, including law enforcement and child welfare agencies, to address this persistent problem.
Her doctoral research explored ways to help survivors of human trafficking reintegrate into the community. Their key needs include long-term housing, financial support, legal assistance, and better access to health care.
Dr. Ernewein says many survivors were trafficked as children, often through familial connections. She says too many survivors are stigmatized, complicating their recovery.
Dr. Ernewein is advocating for more trauma-informed training among professionals in child welfare, law enforcement, and health care. She’s also working to expand education among families about internet crimes against children.
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.
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Host: Lauren Herod
Producer: David Heller
Sound Engineer/Editor: Brantley Jones