Protect foster kids from harm
Tom Allen, former member of the United States House of Representatives, stated, “…We have a moral obligation to our children that can be easily summarized: number one, protect them from harm.”
Approximately 72 percent of 1,277 runaway children living in foster homes are victims of sex trafficking. These children who are under the care of their respective states. Under court jurisdiction, they are victimized by sex traffickers and suffer from physical and psychological abuse, which may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder,depression, anxiety, panic disorder, suicidal ideation, Stockholm Syndrome and substance abuse, according to the World Health Organization.
House Resolution 469, Strengthening Child Welfare Response to Trafficking Act of 2015, is a bill that addresses these children who are in our child-welfare system. Our responsibility as citizens is to support this bill, which will improve the identification of sex trafficking within the child-welfare system and provide much-needed services to the victims of sex trafficking..
The bill also provides training for those individuals’ who work within the child-welfare system. It is time to make a difference. Support this legislation.
Call Sen. Dianne Feinstein at (559) 485-7430. Tell her that you seek her support for HR 469.
Protect our children from harm!
Esmeralda Carrillo, Visalia
This story was originally published August 22, 2016 at 12:49 PM with the headline "Protect foster kids from harm."