slavery

Upon hearing the term “human trafficking,” most Americans envision foreign nationals who have been smuggled into the United States to engage in sex work within our borders. While this situation is common and grave, it is important for Americans to know that the trafficking of American citizens is on the rise right here at home.

Last month, Starbucks Corp. CEO Howard Schultz pulled the plug on his company’s in-store initiative that encouraged baristas to write “Race Together” on cups and talk about race relations with their customers.

As long as demand for the commercial sex markets remains strong, reductions in incidences of child sex trafficking should not be expected. Attempts to combat drug trafficking and abuse have proven to be costly and ineffective by aiming at supply and distribution.

Note: This is part one of a three-part look by columnists and former foster youth Waln Brown and John Seita about the darker side of foster care in America. Click here to read Part Two, and click here to read Part Three.