HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 106

(By Delegates Rowan, Graves, Longstreth, Lovejoy, Malcolm, C. Martin, P. Martin, Pyles and Sypolt)

[Introduced March 9, 2019]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study and analyze the impact of human trafficking in West Virginia and ways to ensure its prevention as well as the treatment of victims.

Whereas, Human trafficking is an under-reported crime in West Virginia that affects hundreds of children and families throughout the state; and

Whereas, Victims, who may or may not be identified as survivors of human trafficking, need a broad spectrum of trauma informed care and services from trained professionals and service providers; and

Whereas, Prevention of victimization is important to reducing the physical and emotional damage inflicted by perpetrators of labor and sex trafficking; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study and analyze the impact of human trafficking in West Virginia and ways to ensure its prevention as well as the treatment of victims; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study include an examination of the lasting and damaging impacts of human trafficking on the children, youth and families of West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study examine the gaps in victim services, such as housing for victims, including minors who are not falling within scope of current DHHR programs, the needs of law enforcement to better identify victims of human trafficking, particularly youth and runaway victims, and consider the resources known as soft interviewing room facilities for victims and resources to support the timely investigation of trafficking cases; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study consider that with the rise in grand-families, many elder guardians are not well versed in the hazards of technology and social media, and thus may not be aware of the victimization and grooming of children and adolescents that takes place by perpetrators of human trafficking and sexual abuse; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study seek best practices related to training and education of a variety of service providers and community resources, especially those who are mandated reporters, so they recognize the signs of human trafficking and can appropriately report and potentially intervene on behalf of young victims; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study look at methods to determine best practices in prevention through age-appropriate education of children and teens related to developing healthy relationships, understanding self-worth and building self-esteem to help all children and teens avoid victimization; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2020, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations together with any drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct a study, prepare reports, and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriates to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.