Maryland Experts Share Anti-Human Trafficking Models Addressing Fastest Growing Criminal Industry in U.S.
ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services yesterday joined First Lady Yumi Hogan for the Global Human Trafficking Summit hosted by the Louisiana First Foundation and presented by the State of Maryland. Experts from Maryland shared the State’s models to end human and child trafficking with nearly 400 advocates from across the globe.
“My heart aches for all victims of human trafficking and their families. These victims are like our sons and daughters, my grandchildren, and students,” said the First Lady. “I cannot believe human trafficking and modern slavery are happening right next to us, in our own backyards. This is not about someone else. This is about us. It is our problem. This is the reason why we all should stand up and work together to combat human trafficking not only in the state of Maryland, but across the country and the world.”
Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards is passionate about ending human trafficking, and through her platform, the Louisiana First Foundation, she has been hosting the Global Human Trafficking Summit since 2017. Trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the United States, and the summit offers opportunities for human trafficking experts and survivors across the nation and globe to connect and share best practices. First Lady Yumi Hogan and First Lady Cecilia Abott of Texas have joined First Lady Donna Edwards in working with the National Coalition Against Human Trafficking, which is also supported by first spouses across the country who are committed to sharing resources and raising awareness about this horrific crime.
“Governor Hogan has made it clear that addressing human trafficking is one of his top priorities. He has demonstrated this through funding, training, increasing awareness, and needed legislation,” said Glenn Fueston, Executive Director for the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. “Our office remains committed to shining a light into the darkness of this horrific crime and increasing the safety, self sufficiency and access to information for those victims of this horrible crime.”
Speakers from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, Maryland Department of Human Services, University of Maryland, and Maryland Children’s Alliance presented transnational, national, state, and local perspectives in human and children trafficking prevention and victim services. Representatives from county child advocacy centers also introduced the Child Sex Trafficking Screening and Services Act Regional Navigator Program which is currently operational in 10 jurisdictions across Maryland, supported by grants from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services.
In Maryland, Governor Larry Hogan has prioritized addressing the issue of human trafficking and its impacts in Maryland. The Hogan administration, through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, has allocated $58 million since 2015 to support evidence-based and comprehensive anti-human trafficking efforts across Maryland.
Speakers and topics included:
- Glenn Fueston - Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services
- Joe Baldwin - Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Maryland; Chair, Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force
- Johnna Geesaman - Program Coordinator, Safe Place Child Advocacy in Washington County
- Marion Gill - Coordinator, Family Violence Programs, Cecil County/Trafficking Regional Navigator, Cecil County Child Advocacy Center
- Michelle Farr - Executive Director, Social Services Administration, Maryland Department of Human Services
- Michael Piercy - Director, Washington County Social Services
- Susan G. Esserman, Esq. - Founder and Director, University of Maryland SAFE (Support, Advocacy, Freedom, Empowerment) for Human Trafficking Survivors
- Susan B. Hansell - State Chapter Director, Maryland Children's Alliance
- Nadine Finigan - Carr, PhD - Director, Prevention of Adolescent Risks Initiative at University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work
- Maryland Human Trafficking Taskforce: Advancing on All Fronts
- State of Maryland Programs and Grants
- County Perspectives and Discussion: Child Trafficking Regional Navigator, Similarities and Differences
- Child Trafficking in Maryland: State and Local Perspectives
- A Comprehensive Services and Prevention Approach to Human Trafficking in Maryland
- Adapting the National Children’s Alliance Standards for Victims of Child Trafficking
- Preventing Child Sex Trafficking in Maryland
More information on the summit is available here: http://louisianafirstfoundation.com/global-human-trafficking-summit-2021-maryland/.
If you suspect human trafficking, or someone you know needs help, please call the confidential National Human Trafficking Hotline which runs 24/7: 1-888-373-7888 (TTY: 711). You can also text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE). Click here to learn more about anti-human trafficking efforts in Maryland.
