Illinois goes from “F” to“A” on support for survivors of human trafficking

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is announcing Illinois has gone from an “F” on the Shared Hope International Just Like Me Report Cards to an “A” due to the recent passage of the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act.

Illinois is one of only three states to receive an “A” grade.

The Just Like Me Report Cards grade states based on a Top Ten list of laws focused on human trafficking survivors and addressing its lasting impacts. Illinois is now ranked second in the nation for its policies surrounding human trafficking survivors.

“Illinois is now among the leading states in the fight against human trafficking, and this new ‘A’ ranking from Shared Hope International represents my administration’s enduring commitment to keeping all Illinoisans safe,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This year, I proudly signed pivotal legislation that established a coordinated, multi-agency effort to better support survivors of human trafficking. Using trauma-informed strategies to identify and support survivors across Illinois, these imperative measures are helping us protect and empower our most vulnerable.”

Earlier this year, the Illinois General Assembly passed and Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2323, the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Traffic Act (Act), to provide consistency in the state’s response by creating a uniform service response, policies, agency infrastructure, screening tools, training, and protocols. Much of the act focused on survivors.

“Supporting people who have been trafficked, a modern day form of slavery, is a moral imperative that requires a comprehensive framework involving coordination between public and private partners,” said ISP Director and Joint Human Trafficking Work Group Chair Brendan F. Kelly. “By supporting survivors, law enforcement can be more effective in going after traffickers using the information and knowledge survivors are now more comfortable sharing with law enforcement, knowing that resources are available to build a new life.”