New report reveals major gaps in Santa Cruz human trafficking response

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) - A new Santa Cruz County Grand Jury report is revealing serious gaps in how local officials address human trafficking.

The report points to missing data, limited prosecutions, and a lack of training for those on the front lines. Survivor-led organizations are now urging change.

“In Santa Cruz, there's not a lot of reported cases. And I think the civil grand jury just came out with a really fantastic report that identifies that issue that a lot of people, exactly what I just explained, they don't understand trafficking,” Carmel K. Jud said.

Jud is the founder and executive director of Rising Worldwide, a nonprofit that trains law enforcement, social workers, and students using survivor led education.

While the FBI has reported zero trafficking cases in the county over the past 10 years, some nonprofits say they see up to 200 victims per week. The discrepancy points to a problem of awareness and training.

“We will see about three youth a year will disclose they're being trafficked. I suspect that would be actually, sadly, much higher if we were in all the classrooms,” Carmel K. Jud said.

The Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office reported only two human trafficking charges in the past four years, with no convictions.

Advocates say that number doesn’t reflect the reality of what’s happening on the ground.

“Our local DA's office has not had very many prosecutions. But one thing to consider is that it's hard for survivors to come forward, not knowing how they're going to be treated by law enforcement if law enforcement hasn't had the training,” Carmel K. Jud said.

The Grand Jury report specifically recommends more survivor led training sessions for first responders and service providers.

“Law enforcement or first responders and direct service providers get training from survivors, especially survivors that have been trafficked in your specific area,” Carmel K. Jud said.

Some progress is already being made. Santa Cruz County schools are among the few institutions ahead of the curve, offering survivor-led prevention programs.

In a statement, Santa Cruz County Superintendent Faris Sabbah said, “The Santa Cruz County Office of Education provides training and resources to raise awareness about human trafficking and to prevent and intervene in any potential incidents impacting the school community, including through classroom curriculum and partnerships with local organizations such as Rising Worldwide.”

But there are still areas of concern. California law requires certain businesses to post the human trafficking hotline, yet only 7 percent of the 144 businesses surveyed in the county were compliant.

“The businesses are required to post that sign. But we will say that in general, most people who are being trafficked do not understand they're being trafficked,” Carmel K. Jud said.

County officials including the Sheriff, District Attorney, and Superintendent of Schools are required to formally respond to the Grand Jury’s findings by August 29.