Louisiana Launches Hotline to Receive Reports of Juvenile Sex Trafficking

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services launches a hotline to receive reports of suspected juvenile sex trafficking and centralize calls to ensure closer coordination between state agencies, law enforcement, and service providers.

Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) announced on January 9, 2023, that the state has launched a hotline for receiving reports of suspected juvenile sex trafficking, centralizing calls to ensure closer coordination between state agencies, law enforcement, and service providers tasked with investigating cases, assisting victims to safety, and advocating on their behalf.

As of January 1, 2023, all incidents of suspected juvenile sex trafficking will be reported through the Department of Children and Family Services child abuse/neglect hotline, thanks to Act 662 of the 2022 Legislative Session, introduced by Sen. Beth Mizell. The toll-free hotline (1-855-4LA-KIDS or 1-855-452-5437) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

All DCFS-reported cases will be referred to the Louisiana State Police for investigation and/or dissemination to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. DCFS will also investigate allegations of parental or caretaker involvement in trafficking or other forms of abuse/neglect in the complaint. DCFS will also provide care coordination and advocacy services to victims in collaboration with the state’s Child Advocacy Centers and other service providers.

“It’s important for the public to know that human trafficking is still the fastest growing and second largest criminal industry in the United States and is a serious problem across Louisiana and across all backgrounds,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “We can all agree that the impact of COVID-19 has only exacerbated this epidemic and while there is much more work to be done, I remain hopeful because of the committed and collective efforts of my wife Donna, Louisiana lawmakers, key state and local agencies, survivors and all those working in the trenches every day to serve children and families. Their work is making a positive difference, and the passage of this new law continues to move Louisiana in the right direction in addressing this heinous crime.”

“The evil of trafficking creates victims of children everywhere – even right here in Louisiana,” said Sen. Beth Mizell. “To fight back we must first be able to recognize it. Fighting back requires the public, law enforcement and our judicial stakeholders to work together. Our Department of Children and Family Services will be the connecting agency on a call that brings protection for the victims and punishment of the trafficker. I am hopeful of the impact we will see with this step.”

“Child exploitation investigations have been a priority for the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit,” stated Colonel Lamar Davis, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. “Far too often, children are the victims of sex trafficking and preyed upon by their captors. LSP will continue to seek justice for all victims through investigative partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and through public education. By adding this hotline, we are creating an even more direct link of communication with citizens that can assist us in rescuing those affected.”

“Having a central point for receiving these calls is a vital advancement in the State’s work of protecting children,” said DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks. “Combatting the crime of human trafficking and ensuring children are brought to safety requires the efforts of multiple agencies and partners across the state. This hotline strengthens that network by allowing us all to work each case from a single entry point.”

The hotline for reporting child sex trafficking is the latest instrument in the state’s growing anti-crime strategy. The state established the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention under the Governor’s Office in 2021, following the adoption of Senate Bill 170, in an effort to coordinate the state’s response to human trafficking. The office’s website, https://humantrafficking.la.gov, contains information about what human trafficking is, how to recognize it, and services for victims and survivors.

Reporting Juvenile Sex Trafficking

Mandatory reporters and the general public must call the DCFS child abuse/neglect hotline at 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437) and pick option #4 to report suspected juvenile sex trafficking. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is toll-free.

Callers can identify themselves and give contact information, or they can stay anonymous. While confidentiality laws may prohibit callers from understanding the outcome of a case they reported, detecting and reporting trafficking is everyone’s responsibility, and each and every call aiming to assist a child or adolescent in need of intervention is much appreciated.

The DCFS website has a collection of information that would be useful in an investigation of probable juvenile sex trafficking available by following this link. Even if they do not have the information listed, people should call the hotline if they fear a kid is being or has been trafficked.

Follow this link for additional information on human trafficking prevention in Louisiana.