Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act according to Homeland Security. Approximately 16% percent of children who runaway from social services and were reported missing to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Youth (NCMEC) in 2019 were likely victims of human sex trafficking. Studies done in New York and Connecticut show about 50% of human trafficking victims were involved with child welfare systems or juvenile justice systems and that 80% of girls involved in human trafficking had been in the child welfare system in the past. (Source: https://www.kvc.org/blog/foster-care-human-trafficking/)

This is a national crisis, not just for foster and system involved youth, but vulnerable children across this country. Today's guest Ashley Hill, LMFT is the expert you want to hear from, in order to understand how serious this issue is and how you can help. Ashley Hill is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has years of experience working with intense foster youth. She has provided therapy and case management services for foster youth in group homes and foster homes for over four years. Therefore, she is very knowledgeable and experienced with establishing relationships, understanding the child welfare system in which these residents reside, and the challenges these youth have to face as a result of being a court dependent.

Ashley has had experience working with youth who have been sexually exploited or are suspected to be commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC). Not only does Ashley have experience providing therapeutic services and case management services, but she also understands residential structures as she has interacted and collaborated with many residential placements. She is also a State Certified Human Trafficking Advocate.

Throughout her career, she developed the fundamental belief that given the right guidance, support, and environment, individuals can thrive, grow, and evolve. She believes that everyone can reach their fullest potential with a supportive environment, unconditional love, structure, and guidance.

website: https://www.magdalenasdaughters.org/

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National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888