This guide is designed for professionals and community members outside of child protective investigations to assist in identifying potential child trafficking victims and recognizing children who may be at high risk of trafficking. It also offers guidance on appropriate next steps. When discussing this sensitive topic, always use a trauma-informed approach that avoids placing shame or blame on the child. PLEASE DO NOT ASK ANYTHING BELOW DIRECTLY TO THE CHILD Who is completing the form: Select a professionSocial WorkerLaw Enforcement OfficerHealthcare ProfessionalEducator (Teacher/Counselor)Mental Health ProfessionalCase ManagerLegal ProfessionalJuvenile Justice ProfessionalParent/GuardianNon-professional (Community Member/Concerned Individual) MANDATORY REPORTING IDENTIFIERS If you check "yes" to one or more of the identifiers in this section, it confirms an identified victim of trafficking. It is imperative that you immediately proceed to the Department of Children and Families Reporter Portal to file a report and upload a copy of this checklist. YES NO Description The child reports participation in a sexual act in exchange for shelter, transportation, drugs, alcohol, food, money, or other items of value (even if the child did not actually receive the item). There are photos or videos of the child being victimized and/or being used to advertise the child for sexual purposes (Backpage, Craigslist, etc.). The child reports involvement in the sex industry, including activities such as working in strip clubs, escort services, private sex parties, or street-level sex work. Someone witnessed the child engaged in a commercial sex act (a sex act where something of value is received or promised). The child reports being forced, threatened, or coerced into working or participating in illegal activities, such as in retail, factories, farms, households, restaurants, hotels, construction, massage/spa services, or drug sales. HIGH-RISK INDICATORS If you observe one or more of the following indicators in this section and are uncertain whether the child is involved in trafficking, the child may be at high risk of trafficking or may have already been trafficked. In such cases, further assessment may be necessary. Please proceed to the Department of Children and Families Reporter Portal to file a report and upload a copy of this checklist, or to learn more about human trafficking prevention. YES NO Description The child is using trafficking terms, such as calling a romantic partner "Daddy" or "Mommy," or talking about "the life" or "the game". Associations with people who have exchanged sex for drugs, shelter, food, goods, or money, or the child is concerned that their parent or guardian has been involved in trafficking. The child possesses a suspicious amount of money, money from an unknown source, or goods such as multiple cell phones, drugs and alcohol, hotel keys/key cards, or false IDs. Tattoos that the child is reluctant to explain, especially those indicating ownership (such as names, dollar signs, crowns, symbols, or acronyms), or other forms of branding like cutting or burning. A significantly older boyfriend or girlfriend who is controlling and/or whom the child appears to fear. The child exhibits multiple concerning behaviors or indicators, which might include chronic alcohol or drug use, gang affiliation, provocative clothing, unexplained or suspicious bruising or other forms of trauma, or multiple sexual partners. Indications that the child has experienced multiple instances of running away, being kicked out of the home, periods of homelessness, or residing with unrelated coworkers or others. The child works long hours with few breaks and receives inconsistent pay, with some or all of the earnings potentially going towards debt, housing, food, or being given to someone else. The child exhibits anxiety about maintaining a job due to a sense of duty to family, debt to an employer, or fear of physical harm, death, or blackmail. The child may also display desperation to sell items. Excessive or unexplained absences from school or home for periods of time. Submit Reset