In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, Morgan —a dedicated school counselor and former foster care social worker—shares her unique frontline perspective on identifying and supporting children vulnerable to human trafficking with Executive Director, Oree Freeman

Morgan pulls back the curtain on what educators are seeing in schools every day, the systemic limitations they face, and how prevention curriculum and relationships with students can become life-saving tools. This episode is a must-watch for teachers, counselors, social workers, and anyone who wants to understand how trafficking can hide in plain sight.

🔗 Learn more at: https://www.usiaht.org

👇 Timestamps
00:00 – A story of hidden trafficking in plain sight
00:28 – Meet Morgan Hicks, school counselor and former social worker
01:42 – Social work vs. counseling: Two sides of the same fight
04:08 – How schools often see signs before social services do
05:15 – Florida’s prevention gaps and mandated reporting challenges
06:06 – Safer, Smarter Kids: A prevention curriculum that works
08:54 – What happens after a student makes a disclosure?
11:01 – The frustrating disconnect between schools and CPS
14:02 – How school transfers can isolate vulnerable kids
16:05 – Vulnerability at home: where trafficking risks begin
18:34 – Signs to look for—even when there’s no physical abuse
22:15 – How new students with trauma are (or aren’t) identified
28:48 – The power of trusted adults and triangle relationships
33:08 – Personal story: A mom’s advocacy for her own child
38:25 – Advice for counselors: Be present, be persistent, be relational

🧡 If you work in schools, social work, child welfare, or simply care about protecting kids—this one’s for you.

📢 Subscribe, like, and share this episode to spread awareness.

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