Human Trafficking
Regional Navigator

CARE Healing Center has joined Maryland in the fight against human trafficking. With the development of our Regional Navigator program, we now provide awareness, education, and support to those affected by human trafficking.

In 2019 Maryland passed the Child Sex Trafficking Screening and Services Act which required each county in the state to develop a response to human trafficking. The Regional Navigator ensures that all victim-survivors of sex and labor trafficking, and their loved ones, are provided with information, support,and services to help them navigate their situation. While the initial Act was for youth up to age 24, the CARE Healing Center assists any survivors of human trafficking, regardless of age.

In additional to providing direct service to survivors, our Regional Navigator leads a multidisciplinary response group amongst providers, law enforcement, legal services, and other community partners in Carroll County, called the Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team (HART). The HART meets approximately once per month to discuss current cases and develop best practices for county response to human trafficking. By collaborating with these partners, the county can ensure that wraparound and trauma-informed services are being provided to those we serve.

If you have any questions regarding our Regional Navigator program, please contact our office at: 410-857-0900 to speak with our Regional Navigator.

Task Force

CARE Healing Center is in the process of developing Carroll County’s Human Trafficking Task Force and more information will be coming soon. If you are interested in joining Carroll County’s fight against human trafficking, please contact our Regional Navigator at: 410-857-0900.

GET INVOLVED

Our dedicated and passionate volunteers are the backbone of our work, and we would be happy to have YOU join our team! We are looking for compassionate, personable, and dependable individuals who wish to develop their advocacy skills and actively participate in the recovery of survivors and their loved ones.

Human Trafficking FAQs:

What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking can include sex or labor trafficking. Human trafficking involves forcing a person to provide labor services or participate in commercial sex. For those under the age of 18, any exchange of something of value for a sex act is considered child sex trafficking.

What should I do if I suspect human trafficking in Carroll County?

There are a few options. If you believe the individual is in immediate danger, please call 911. You can report suspicions of human trafficking to your local law enforcement agency, or CARE’s 24/7 helpline at: 410-857-7322. Reports of human trafficking involving a child or vulnerable adult should be directed to Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services at: 1-800-917-7383. The National Human Trafficking Hotline also accepts non-emergency reports and assistance at: 1-888-373-7888.

Does human trafficking really happen here… In Carroll County?

YES. There is no jurisdiction that is immune to human trafficking.

Aren’t most people kidnapped and forced into the lifestyle?

NO. Most human trafficking involves grooming by a known, trusted individual. Often, sex trafficking victims may see a trafficker as their significant other, friend, or confidant. Labor trafficking victims may have been deceived into the lifestyle by false promises for a better life or job opportunity. Traffickers can be anybody, including a family member.

Kids choose to prostitute themselves… Don’t they?

NO. There is no such thing as a child prostitute. Children cannot consent to sex and cannot consent to being prostituted. For those under 18, any exchange of something of value for a sex act is considered child sex trafficking.

Does human trafficking need to include physical restraints like chains and handcuffs?

NO. Often, human trafficking includes psychological restraints, which can be just as strong. The internet, shows, and movies can aid in this common misconception.

Does human trafficking have to involve border crossing?

NO. Human trafficking does not need to include any transportation. There is a common confusion between human trafficking and human smuggling. Even an image of people in the back of a semi-truck is often shown to portray human trafficking, which can aid in this confusion. Human trafficking is a crime against the person, while human smuggling is a crime against the border.