Human Trafficking Crisis

Annie Cadwell, Amy Oestreich, & Katie Skramstad

What Happened?
Death of a 15 year old student
Human Trafficking ring uncovered - recruiting was done at school
Crisis vs. Unfortunate Event

Developmental Concerns
Elementary Level: According to Erickson
Children are curious and want to try new things

Give brief explanation of situation and death of student

Caution against stranger danger / talk to trusted adult if they have concerns

Picture themselves in adult roles

Simplified explanation of death and the grieving process/Help them grieve

Make sure they are developing initiative to leave this stage with purpose
Begin to discuss the influence of others

Begin to be curious about others sexual differences

May begin to recognize similarities with themselves and Ashley

Help them feel confident in who they are and encourage their special talents

Developmental Concerns
Elementary Level: According to Kohlberg

Stages of Moral Development: Stage 1-Obedience and Punishment Orientation

View things as either right or wrong based on a set of rules established by authority figures
Elementary students will understand this crisis from a right/wrong perspective
Explain in terms of actions: what was wrong in this situation and how could Ashley have
made it right

Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange

Begin to view people as individuals and having different interests

Decisions will begin to be made on these separate interests and guided by punishment
avoidance
Fairness is a key concern and this crisis will be viewed as unfair to Ashley (she was only
looking for acceptance/love)

Developmental Concerns
Middle School Level: According to Erickson
Puberty begins - sexual drives in overdrive

Can be more specific in explaining the crisis situation

Confused about new social conflicts and demands

Begin to discuss risks and dangers of sex trafficking

Have a strong need to fit in and be accepted

Important to help students discover who they are and feel confident
Continue to help them with self discovery
Provide options for them ie. extracurricular activities, clubs, etc.

Developmental Concerns
Middle School Level: According to Kohlberg
Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

Interpersonal relationships are key (sense of love, empathy, trust and caring are important to these
children)
Begin to understand motives for behavior based on personality traits
They may see others are to blame for this tragedy, but may not yet see Ashley's
responsibility / blame others

Stage 4: Maintaining the Social Order

Some students may begin to look at crisis from a broader perspective: can see Ashley's part in this
situation
Reiterate general societal rules around internet safety/how society views this situation

Developmental Concerns
High School Level: According to Erickson
Starting into young adulthood

Easily enticed by peer pressure to feel loved and cared for

Still discovering self and looking into future

Lack of personal development / connectedness can lead to isolation

Involvement in group activities is important

Begin to widen capacities to love and care for others

Discuss tragedy in its entirety
Discuss ways to protect against falling into this kind of trap
Provide resources for students to utilize

Developmental Concerns
High School Level: According to Kohlberg
Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights

Philosophical thinking
Children are viewing the crisis from a more global perspective and looking for ways to
make changes to prevent this type of tragedy in the future.

Stage 6: Universal Principles

Justice becomes very important

Individuals express empathy for others
View people as individuals and are able to view others perspectives
Discuss what Ashley may have been thinking/provide discussion time
Sense of moral justice is important (equal respect for every person)
Unjust laws need to be overturned/provide discussion time

Immediate Response
All-District Response
Elementary School Response
Middle School Response
High School Response

Prevention & Intervention

Elementary
Lesson on Strangers (younger elementary)
Internet safety (older elementary)
Middle School
How much is a person worth activity
Introduction to Human Trafficking
High School
In depth discussion of Human Trafficking
Identify warning signs in their peers
All Faculty and Staf
Human Trafficking Awareness Training

Cultural Considerations
60% of our student population is racially diverse
Families may not have conversations around sexuality or dealing with grief
Marginalized students typically have difficulty accessing mental health services
Crisis information available in multiple languages
Allow space for group counseling within the school as needed
Future crisis programming needs to address cultural differences