Council partners are developing practical tools, stronger partnerships, and clearer processes to improve Mississippi’s response to sex and labor trafficking. Current priorities and initiatives in development are outlined below.
Regional Task Force Development
The Council is supporting the development of seven regional multidisciplinary teams aligned with Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services service areas. These efforts connect local partners to strengthen coordination, identify gaps, and improve responses to trafficking.
CURRENT COUNCIL PRIORITY
Labor Trafficking Response
Strengthening Mississippi’s response to labor trafficking is a current Council priority. Partners are developing specialized partnerships, professional knowledge, and targeted outreach to improve recognition of labor trafficking and connections to appropriate services. This work includes engaging underserved communities, industries, and nontraditional partners.
CURRENT COUNCIL PRIORITY
Survivor Leadership
The Council seeks survivor expertise to help shape training, outreach materials, practical resources, and response guidance. The Survivor-Led Working Group and other Council activities provide opportunities for lived experience to guide improvements.
PROPOSED INITIATIVE
Child and Youth Trafficking Response
SECURE & MOBILIZE: Strengthening Mississippi’s Response to Child and Youth Trafficking is a proposed initiative focused on clearer protocols, regional coordination, and improved tracking of tips, referrals, and outcomes across participating systems.
Proposed grant-supported expansion is subject to funding.
PLANNED FOR 2027
Collaborative Training
Council partners are planning advanced, scenario-based training that brings child welfare, law enforcement, and Children’s Advocacy Center professionals together to practice responding to child trafficking. Training will address the response from an initial tip through investigation, safety planning, services, and ongoing coordination.
Get Involved
Attend a Council meeting, share your expertise through a working group, or contribute to Council projects. Partners can also request training or outreach for their agency, organization, or community.
For Council participation and more information, contact Lori Hill at lhill@dps.ms.gov or Brandy Hickman at bhickman@dps.ms.gov.