January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Human trafficking often hides in plain sight. Children and youth who experience trafficking may encounter schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, or social services long before anyone recognizes what they are going through. Too often, these young people are asked to navigate complex systems alone—or to tell their story again and again.
At Denver Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC), our role is to ensure that when a child does come forward, their experience is met with coordination, dignity, and care.
A Coordinated, Child-Centered Response
DCAC uses a multidisciplinary approach to support children impacted by abuse, including human trafficking. This means bringing together trained professionals—across disciplines and agencies—to reduce trauma and increase access to healing.
When trafficking is suspected or disclosed, DCAC provides:
- Trauma-informed forensic interviews conducted by specially trained interviewers
- Victim advocacy to support children and caregivers through next steps
- Connections to mental health services, so healing can begin as early as possible
This approach ensures children do not have to retell their story multiple times or navigate complex systems on their own.
As one DCAC forensic interviewer shared:
“When a child sits down with us, the most important thing we can do is help them feel safe. Everything else—the story, the details, the next steps—comes after that.”
Partnering to Support Youth Impacted by Trafficking
Responding effectively to human trafficking requires strong partnerships. DCAC works closely with the Denver Anti-Trafficking Alliance Multidisciplinary Team (DATA MDT), our primary partner on human trafficking cases.
DATA MDT’s mission is to provide a holistic, multidisciplinary response for children and youth (through age 24) who are at risk of or experiencing human trafficking and have a Denver connection. Their work is rooted in trauma-responsive, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive practices—and in building trust with youth and families.
Available services through DATA MDT may include:
- Safety planning and stabilization resources
- System navigation and case management
- Goal setting and basic needs support for youth and families
- Individual and/or family therapy
- Mentoring and tutoring
- Substance use treatment
- Sports and other prosocial activities
Together, DCAC and DATA MDT work to close gaps between systems and ensure youth receive coordinated, compassionate care.
Awareness Must Lead to Action
Human Trafficking Awareness Month is an important reminder—but awareness alone is not enough. Children need systems that recognize exploitation, professionals trained to build trust, and pathways to healing that do not add further harm.
At DCAC, we remain committed to being part of that system: one that listens first, responds with care, and centers the safety and dignity of every child.
If you would like to learn more about DCAC’s work or how to support children impacted by abuse and exploitation, we invite you to connect with us and stand alongside our community in protecting children and promoting healing. 💙