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Tyler Community Unites in Prayer and Action to Stand Against Human Trafficking

Tyler, Texas — January 30, 2025 — 4Kids4Families, in partnership with Unbound Now, local authorities, and community leaders, hosted the powerful event “Let’s Stand Against Human Trafficking: Join Us for Prayer ” at noon in Tyler, Texas. This impactful gathering united residents, faith leaders, and advocates to raise awareness, offer prayers for survivors, and strengthen the ongoing fight against human trafficking in the region.

The event was marked by a special proclamation from City of Tyler Councilman Stuart Hene, reaffirming the city’s unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking. Three local pastors led heartfelt prayers, focusing on the critical needs of trafficking victims, particularly vulnerable youth in foster care. Representatives from Unbound Now, and 4Kids4Families Care Management provided valuable insights into local initiatives aimed at preventing trafficking and supporting survivors.

“Human trafficking is a devastating reality that affects countless individuals, especially vulnerable children in foster care,” said Belen Casillas, Community Relations Director at 4Kids4Families. “The gathering was a powerful reminder that through awareness, prayer, and action, we can make a difference in the lives of those impacted.”

Human Trafficking in Texas – A Growing Concern:

  • More than 300,000 individuals are estimated to be victims of human trafficking in Texas.

  • Approximately 79,000 minors in the state fall victim to sex trafficking.

  • In 2024 alone, Unbound Now in Smith County received 48 referrals, contributing to a total of 102 referrals across East Texas.

A Call to Action:

While the event provided an essential platform for raising awareness, it was clear that this is just the beginning. 4Kids4Families, Unbound Now, and community leaders are urging the public to remain vigilant, educate themselves on the issue, and support survivors through local resources.

The event was free and open to the public, underscoring the power of collective action in bringing hope and healing to those affected.

For more information on how to get involved, visit https://unboundnow.org/easttexas.

 

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Reportable Incidents Include:

  • Death of a child
  • Child is in a life-threatening situation
  • A significant change in a child’s medical condition
  • Psychiatric hospitalization
  • A child who is missing from care and placed on the Amber Alert system returns to care
  • Natural disasters where children are displaced
  • Suicide attempts
  • Injuries requiring medical treatment including psychiatric hospitalization
  • Runaway incidents
  • A caregiver/staff member or child contracts a communicable disease
  • Commission of a Crime, including those committed by youth or crimes occur at a home or facility in which youth are placed
  • Allegations of abuse, neglect or abusive treatment
  • A child’s abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
  • Allegation and/or confirmed child-on-child physical and/or sexual abuse.