If you are a parent of a minor child (under the age of 18) who is coming to study in the United States, it is important that you are involved before your child leaves home and make plans to ensure their safety while in the United States.

Although an emergency may be unlikely to occur, it is important to remember that in the event of one, your child or a supporting adult should always dial 911 or contact law enforcement and notify the student’s designated school official. It is also important to contact the Student and Exchange Visitor Program if you believe your child is the victim or target of any criminal or fraudulent activity.

Another way to prepare for your child’s departure is to engage with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign. The Blue Campaign is a collaborative effort between law enforcement, government agencies and private organizations to combat human trafficking.

Start by reading the Human Trafficking 101 fact sheet and exploring the campaign’s website. There you can find more information about what human trafficking is, how to recognize the signs and other resources to use to increase awareness.

If you or your child suspects that someone may be in a human trafficking situation in the United States, please visit the Blue Campaign’s Identify a Victim page to learn how to report an incident and find resources available for victims.

DHS investigates human trafficking using a victim-centered approach and provides immigration relief to non-U.S. citizen victims. Once a minor is identified as a victim of human trafficking, they are immediately eligible for federal public benefits through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Across the federal government, different agencies work together and coordinate their efforts to combat human trafficking and provide assistance and support to victims.

To learn more about how you can help combat human trafficking, “like” the Blue Campaign page on Facebook or reach out through email.