Springfield, IL – Illinois has enacted sweeping legislative changes aimed at strengthening the fight against human trafficking and improving services for survivors.
According to the Illinois State Police, Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2323, known as the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act, into law this week. The legislation establishes standards for prevention, intervention, and survivor support, involving multiple state agencies including the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Human Services, and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board.
The law mandates a coordinated, multi-agency approach to better identify and protect trafficking victims, while enhancing access to resources. “This vital legislation marks a coordinated effort to better identify, protect, and support our most vulnerable, making Illinois a safer place for everyone,” Pritzker said.
Human trafficking remains a significantly underreported crime in Illinois. In fiscal year 2024, 448 survivors sought services from state-recognized agencies, while 213 potential cases of child trafficking were reported to DCFS. Officials caution that these figures represent only a fraction of the true scale of the issue.
“Human trafficking can come in many forms, from commercial sex acts to forced labor,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Because human trafficking has many faces and can happen almost anywhere, it is important to have a comprehensive, victim-centered, trauma-informed response that encompasses everyone from law enforcement to social service providers.”
The law also calls for enhanced training across agencies and increased coordination with prosecutors, children’s advocacy centers, and other organizations working to combat trafficking across Illinois.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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