Dallas County declares January National Human Trafficking Prevention Month; DA, task force describe diversion class for offenders
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Summary
Commissioners unanimously declared January Human Trafficking Prevention Month. District Attorney's office and task‑force partners described a one‑day "stop class" for offenders and diversion programs aimed at reducing demand and recidivism.
The Dallas County Commissioners Court adopted a resolution on Jan. 6 declaring January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and naming Jan. 11 Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
The resolution, read by a commissioner, listed local partners — including New Life Opportunities, Dallas Police Department, Mosaic Family Services, Parkland Health and others — and recognized county departments involved in prevention, prosecution and survivor services.
Kim Duran of the District Attorney's office described the DA's role and the office's work with the stop‑class initiative. "I've been with this program since 2017," Duran said, and she told commissioners the DA's office has completed the program for more than 300 offenders. The program pairs law‑enforcement input with survivor leaders and treatment resources, and the DA's office is mandating the class for some offenders as part of a diversion strategy.
Matt Osborne, who the court identified as a consultant and anti‑trafficking activist, said the classes target the demand side of the market by educating people arrested for solicitation. "We are attacking this problem at the core demand," Osborne said, describing one‑day classes that include survivor testimony and participation from Dallas Police and health services.
Commissioners praised the collaborative work among the DA's office, health and human services, law enforcement, and community organizations and unanimously approved the resolution.
Ending: The court commended task‑force partners and asked staff to continue coordinating prevention, survivor support and educational outreach.
