FORT WORTH (1080 KRLD) - The Fort Worth ISD is taking proactive steps in combatting human trafficking.
The district is one of eight school districts across the country to receive a federal grant to develop and implement programs to prevent human trafficking.
"What we'll be teaching students is how to be prepared, how to protect themselves, how to watch for the signs and indicators of exploitation and trafficking so that they'll be armed with the tools necessary for keeping themselves safe," says Angela Hicks, human trafficking specialist with the Fort Worth ISD.
Human trafficking is a growing problem not only in the region, but also in the whole state.
"Texas is second in the nation for human trafficking (behind California)," Hicks notes. "DFW is a hub for that kind of activity."
Hicks says virtual learning made necessary by the COVID-19 pandemic has given human traffickers a golden opportunity to prey on children.
"Because of that, there's a lot more recruitment by traffickers happening online, on social media, even on video gaming, that happens in the homes of our students," says Hicks. "They groom students and lead them to believe that they might be a new friend, or they might be a safe adult, and it turns out that a lot of times, they really aren't."
The program lasts three years, and the Fort Worth ISD will be receiving up to $600,000 a year to develop and implement it.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD