Human trafficking: What the pediatric nurse needs to know

Abstract

Healthcare providers are in a unique position to recognize children who are at risk for human trafficking. Research shows that most trafficking victims have seen a healthcare professional at some point during their exploitation. This places healthcare providers in the position to recognize that something is wrong and take steps to provide support ( Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, 2023 Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response Human trafficking and health professionals: Questions and answers. Public Health Emergency, 2023https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/abc/Pages/human-trafficking-faqs.aspx Google Scholar ; National Human Trafficking Resource Center, 2023 National Human Trafficking Resource Center Recognizing and responding to human trafficking in a healthcare context. https://humantraffickinghotline.org/sites/default/files/Recognizing%20and%20Responding%20to%20Human%20Trafficking%20in%20a%20Healthcare%20Context_pdf.pdfDate: 2023 Google Scholar ; Waugh, 2018 Waugh L. Human trafficking and the healthcare system. National Conference of State Legislatures, 2018, Aprilhttps://www.ncsl.org/research/health/human-trafficking-and-the-health-care-system.aspx Google Scholar ). Pediatric nurses in healthcare and community settings should have the knowledge necessary to recognize and report potential trafficking victims. This includes a general understanding of human trafficking, awareness of risk factors, assessment skills to recognize, resources to report, and education to help prevent trafficking.