Human trafficking is the fastest growing crime impacting every continent and economic structure in the world. Affecting every ethnicity, gender, and age, regardless of immigration, socioeconomic, or family status, human trafficking knows no boundaries. Since 2008, when Texas issued its first report on human trafficking in the state, there are five times the number of trafficking arrests and four times the number of human trafficking convictions. Compared to the growing number of human trafficking victims that are estimated to be in Texas every day, these numbers illustrate the magnitude of the crime and the need to strengthen our statewide efforts. The 2020 legislative report highlights the various collaborative efforts of the task force.

This Report is being provided by Sarah C. Narendorf, Ph.D to the 84th Texas Legislative Session’s House Bill 679 (Appendix A) requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), in conjunction with other members of the Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless (TICH), to conduct a study of homeless youth and submit a report to the Texas Legislature. In the study, TDHCA is directed to 1) collect data on the number of homeless youth in the state; 2) examine the needs of homeless youth and the degree to which current programs are meeting those needs; 3) identify any sources of funding that might be available to provide services to homeless youth; and 4) develop a strategic plan establishing steps to be taken and timelines for reducing youth homelessness in this state.

Annual crime report issued by the Texas Attorney-General's Office, Crime Victim Services Division. The 2020 annual report highlights crime related issues in Texas and grants for various programs including: crime victims’ compensation, sexual assault prevention and crisis services, domestic violence high risk, and crime victim civil legal services.