Bishop Raica and Chancery leaders met with federal and state agency representatives for a briefing on human and labor trafficking occurring daily in the State of Alabama. Investigators from U.S. Homeland Security and Department of Labor covered cases of exploitation of youth and adults through unfair and illegal labor practices as well as unspeakable violations often uncovered in movies and the nightly news.

The investigators along with others from state and local advocacy groups described conditions and cases that they say are far more common than most people realize. While the agencies’ top priorities are human trafficking and child exploitation, they often see abuse of children and adults through unfair work practices and wages, and through increasing instances of online exploitation.

Families, particularly those in the most vulnerable communities, often do not know that help is available, that they should reach out, and that there are trusted resources with dedicated people to help them. 

The representatives asked that our parishes and schools help in reaching out to families across the diocese to prevent and assist victims of trafficking. The session was organized by the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry and included diocesan leaders of Catholic Charities, Black Catholic Ministry, Catholic Social Services, Human Resources, Communications and Legal. Work is under way on an approach for moving forward.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human/labor trafficking, please contact The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. It is a confidential, multilingual hotline that provides a variety of options to get help and stay safe.