CASA of Collin County (CASA) trains and supports volunteers to serve as court-appointed advocates who provide powerful best-interest advocacy and meaningful connections for children in the child welfare system who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
Youth in the child welfare system are at a greater risk of experiencing sexual exploitation or trafficking. According to National CASA/GAL, tens of thousands of children nationwide are exploited without anyone noticing and reporting it and as many as 4 out of 5 victims have spent time in foster care. CASA of Collin County is dedicated to raising awareness, preventing trafficking, and providing consistent supportive intervention for children who have been victimized.
“Human trafficking is a dark reality that exists in the shadows of our society,” said Tricia Clifton, CEO & President of CASA of Collin County. “I invite the community to come together during Human Trafficking Prevention Month to recognize this issue, spread awareness, and support organizations that fight against trafficking and empower survivors. Only together, can we create a zero-tolerant community and help to ensure that every individual is free, safe, and protected, especially our children.”
CASA of Collin County will recognize #WearBlueDay, January 11, to raise awareness of human trafficking and show support for victims and survivors of this crime. If you believe you are a victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please contact the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. For more information on how you can support CASA of Collin County and make a difference in the lives of children in need, please visit our website at www.casaofcollincounty.org.
Winston Henvey is the reporter for the Mesquite News, Allen American, and Plano Star Courier. Email him with story suggestions at whenvey@starlocalmedia.com.
