Written to be read by children and youth involved in the criminal justice system, primarily in the context of cases that involve human trafficking, this booklet explains their rights within criminal justice processing, as well as the characteristics of people with whom they are likely to interact.
Much of the material and interactions are portrayed in drawings. The book first defines “human trafficking” as “when someone exploits and profits from another person by having them perform labor or engage in commercial sex.” The primary intent of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) is explained. It defines sex and labor trafficking and outlines protections available to those who have experienced trafficking, which is made a federal crime under the TVPA. Other laws related to human trafficking cases are also explained. The various types of courts that may be involved in the processing of a human trafficking case are explained, as well as the types of cases handled by each type of court. Rights are explained for both victims and offenders in trafficking cases. Other issues addressed pertain to non-U.S. citizens involved in trafficking cases, criminal justice and victim-service personnel with whom victims and offenders are likely to interact in trafficking cases, and support services that are available in such cases.