$49.00 USD

99% rating - reviews

0.25  ASHA CEUs

Human Trafficking:  How It Occurs, What It Looks Like, And How To Respond #e221


Presenter: Amy Rouleau, MPA

Learn how to identify and respond to human trafficking.


"Changes my definition of human trafficking. I liked Amy's story and style. Amazing presenter."

– L.P., prior course participant

Read more comments about this course!

This course is intended to teach professionals how to identify and respond to human trafficking. The pervasive, heinous crime of human trafficking has reached epidemic levels, not just around the world but in every state and every community in the United States.

Predators and traffickers are well-attuned to vulnerabilities in individuals and routinely target children, adolescents, and young adults and force, trick, and coerce them into a life of trafficking. While labor and sex trafficking are both present in the United States, sex trafficking is represented the most. This course provides an in-depth view of human trafficking, how it occurs, what it looks like, and how to respond.

Course is offered for 0.25 ASHA CEUs – 2.5 contact hours.

Course Overview – Run Time: 2:32:08

  • What Is Human Trafficking?
  • The Scope
  • The United States
  • Sex Trafficking and Labor Trafficking
  • Trafficked Among Us: “At Risk” Populations
  • Demand
  • Social Media
  • Predators/Traffickers
  • Myths about Predators
  • The Way In
  • Warning Signs
  • Common Threads
  • Continued Trauma and Its Impact on the Developing Brain, Body and Psyche
  • Healing and Intervention Techniques
  • How to Report
  • Terminology
  • Assessment Questions
  • References
"The presenter's knowledge was impressive based on her personal experience and she covered the topic comprehensively. The topic was excellent and the class was better than I expected. I will recommend this to my fellow SLPs."

– T.O., prior course participant

Read more comments about this course!

The content of this online CE course does not focus exclusively on any specific proprietary product or service. Presenter financial and non-financial disclosures may be found in the Presenter & Disclosures area.

Video PowerPoint presentation with author narration & downloadable handout. Stop and re-start the course at any point. Learners retain access to course content after completion for ongoing reference and review.


This course is not accredited for all Hotel, Motel and Public Lodging Establishment requirements. Please view the following video and check with your local board for proof of certificate from them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YjeeuxzUSA&t=1859s
This video link is provided as a courtesy and is not associated with Northern Speech Services.

Reviews

"I liked learning about the methods used by traffickers." S.K. (Apr. 2024)

"All topics were beneficial. The presenter was very detailed. Easy to listen to also." L.W. (Apr. 2024)

"The interventions and treatments were beneficial. I liked that I could leave the course and come back to it later." K.R. (Feb. 2024)

"Very clearly presented course. The presenter was very down to earth." S.A. (Feb. 2024)

"It was helpful to discuss the risks of trafficking if there is a history of sexual abuse." E.K. (Jan. 2024)

"Beneficial topics were facts and statistics, how trafficking occurs, and successful treatment options. I liked that I could go at my own pace." M.C. (Jan. 2024)

"All the information was presented in a clear manner. I work in a school system with a variety of children falling in the target age group. The presenter spoke from personal experience and with great expertise on the topic, providing helpful and useful information that all should have access to." K.N. (Jan. 2024)

"This course was an eye-opening topic." E.P. (Jan. 2024)

"Organized well so that all the salient features of HT were linked together. It was beneficial learning the statistics of HT and the definition of HT as laid out in the presentation." A.H. (Jan. 2024)

"Wow! This course was good! I liked the examples and true stories." C.K. (Jan. 2024)

"Always good to know signs when working with children. Direct, facts, examples." M.L. (Dec. 2023)

"The questionnaire and emergency contact that were provided were beneficial. This course was clear with the examples and situations." D.S. (Dec. 2023)

"Honestly, I found every topic extremely helpful. I liked the excellent knowledge base and manner of the presenter. This is an extremely helpful course. Thank you!" S.S. (Dec. 2023)

"My work has included speech and language evaluations of hundreds of children. I am in a position to come across those who are being trafficked, particularly because my location has an international airport and two major interstate highways. I was particularly interested to learn about how children who are being trafficked and/or have experienced trauma may refrain from speaking. This has given me another reason to consider when evaluating children with communication delays and disorders. I thought the course was comprehensive, well-planned, and well-presented. I appreciate that the speaker included her own personal experience, as it contributed to her expertise on the topic." R.W. (Dec. 2023)

"The discussion of what human trafficking looks like and how to respond was beneficial. Even though the topic is very sad, I appreciate being informed so that I will be able to recognize someone who needs help and how to help them." A.C. (Nov. 2023)

"The warning signs to look for were beneficial, especially since I work in a hospital. Also, where/how children are approached. I liked that the presenter used her own experiences to drive home the importance of being aware and acting on any suspicions." J.W. (Oct. 2023)

"This was so different than any other continuing education I've done. Something everyone should learn more about regardless of their profession." E.A. (Oct. 2023)

"I thought the speaker did a great job! I liked the discussion of the behavioral and emotional fallout from the trauma. I thought the course was well organized and included lots of good information." B.D. (Aug. 2023)

"It was beneficial discussing what to observe & how to approach someone who you are concerned about." D.L. (Aug. 2023)

"The effect of long term abuse on the brain and how abuse effects the brain was beneficial to discuss. The course stated the problem, how to identify a possible problem. What steps to take if one suspects a problem. I liked learning ways to effectively treat those who have been a victim to trauma. I also liked the ways to possibly eliminate/reduce occurrences of human trafficking!" A.B. (Aug. 2023)

"Amazed that the U.S. is a destination for predators. Shocked that so many predators are online. Horrified that it is such an increasing crime. I liked the way the presenter presented the topics according to the test questions. Very easy to follow the course." S.D. (Aug. 2023)

"Learning to recognize signs of one who is being abused. The presenter was extremely knowledgeable and gave important information with examples. She was very easy to listen to as well as interesting." E.V. (Jul. 2023)

"This course is very informative and shocking in many ways. Knowing the information and making sure all my students feel safe to talk to me." G.G. (Jul. 2023)

"Personal recollections and thought provoking topics." D.B. (Jul. 2023)

"The presenter was a phenomenal speaker for such a difficult topic. I will share this course with everyone." K.K. (Jun. 2023)

"As an educator, this information will help me be vigilant to look for signs of victims of human trafficking. This course helped me realize my perceptions of who traffickers and victims are, was incorrect. I was much more under the impression of young (3-6yrs) stolen at the mall. I realize, sadly this is much broader and I need to be more vigilant." J.B. (Jun. 2023)

"This course opened my eyes to how incredibly pervasive this is. I am sorry she has to describe it from first hand knowledge. Please thank her for sharing her story, educating us, and giving us resources." J.B. (Jun. 2023)

"I learned so much. Reviewing the signs of possible abuse and I had no idea of the prevalence of trafficking in the US. The explanation that the victim may not feel like a victim and the statistical information was beneficial. And learning what to do if you suspect someone is being trafficked." P.R. (May 2023)

"Learning warning signs of predators online and in person. I liked the easy manner of presentation of the speaker, and her interest in the topic and her desire to be of service." I.U. (Mar. 2023)

"Very informative course, brings awareness. Learning how to identify sexual trafficking victims was beneficial." L.P. (Mar. 2023)

"Excellent speaker. She provided compelling information and riveting accounts without excessive drama." R.J. (Mar. 2023)

"It was all very informative. These discussions and topics will be beneficial for my daily practice. I liked the numerical data in the presentation." B.A. (Mar. 2023)

"Liked the Instructor. She made a difficult subject interesting and educational. Learning definitions, demand, myths, percentages and that foster care likely a forum." C.D. (Mar. 2023)

"Statistics and the definition of terms were helpful." L.M. (Mar. 2023)

"The presenter was so knowledgeable and because of her experience, she was able to convey the material very well." M.A. (Feb. 2023)

"Learning signs and symptoms. I liked the information on approaching a victim." C.H. (Feb. 2023)

"New information, the huge numbers....I had no idea of the overwhelming depth of the issue." M.B. (Feb. 2023)

"Understanding the scope of the problem and the ways it might present that I might not have been sensitive to." M.A. (Feb. 2023)

"Detailed information." S.L. (Feb. 2023)

"Engaging speaker and informative content. How to identify/define elements of trafficking was beneficial." J.P. (Jan. 2023)

"Understanding better human trafficking in general. I liked how clear the speaker was." D.C. (Jan. 2023)

"Learning the signs to look for when working with children that are diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, ODD, etc. that may co-occur with trauma. And learning the signs to look for in predators (parents, family members) and # to report suspected human trafficking." L.H. (Dec. 2022)

"Specific warning signs on social media to help keep everyone safe were beneficial. I liked the neuroscience behind trauma and the information on an overlooked topic." L.H. (Dec. 2022)

"All of the information from this presentation is important to all therapists' daily practice." A.C. (Dec. 2022)

"This is a topic that is rarely discussed and all professionals working with children would benefit from this course. The examples provided were excellent and easy to incorporate into daily practice." A.C. (Dec. 2022)

"All of it was beneficial. I liked that the presenter added her own story." P.A. (Dec. 2022)

"The percentages and facts were astounding to me. Learning is huge. Clear and concise course." N.W. (Dec. 2022)

"A great review of trafficking and how to identify it. Presenter did a good job of explaining how traffickers target kids." K.G. (Dec. 2022)

"I would recommend this course." J.H. (Nov. 2022)

"The characteristics to look for in a possible sex trafficking victim were beneficial. I liked the personal stories of the speaker. She made it real." N.R. (Oct. 2022)

"Very clear presentation. The information will help heighten my awareness of situations around me." D.J. (Sept. 2022)

"I now have a better understanding of warning signs to help me be aware of trafficking victims. I liked the conversational style of the presenter." R.W. (Sept. 2022)

"Learning what to look for and how to approach this subject with patients/students." T.B. (Aug. 2022)

"Well organized and presented. Identifying signs of human trafficking is helpful." R.S. (July 2022)

"Learning the prevalence rates, and how to identify predators. The presenter was highly knowledgeable, compassionate, and courageous. Thank you for sharing your personal story." E.C. (June 2022)

"I learned how to identify individuals who are being trafficked as well as what to do once you have identified these individuals. I liked how the speaker provided relevant examples and shared her story." A.W. (June 2022)

"Learning to look for and recognizing the signs of trauma. The presenter was well spoken and presented the information in an easy to follow and understand way." T.A. (June 2022)

"Recognizing the signs of abuse when working with children. Learning how to help children talk about traumatic events." C.K. (June 2022)

"Speaker was very knowledgeable." J.T. (May 2022)

"It was very well organized and had eye-popping information. The speaker also seemed to have a strong understanding of the discrete areas of knowledge that applied to this topic." G.R. (May 2022)

"Learning how prevalent this is, what to look for on the internet, and how to see the signs were good. I liked that I could take course at my pace and take breaks." R.W. (May 2022)

"Changes my definition of human trafficking. I liked Amy's story and style. Amazing presenter." L.P. (Apr. 2022)

"Learning the characteristics of predators, and how to screen and talk with potential victims. The instructor was engaging, and her personal story was helpful in making the connection to how this happens in real life." J.L. (Apr. 2022)

"I think the facts of 91% of those affected have a history of sexual abuse and the sad facts of kids abused in the foster care system. I also thought more were kidnapped rather than from relationships. The presenter did a great job presenting the information with personal stories and examples. I appreciated her opening herself up – and also having other examples as well. It made it very personal and very real." L.M. (Apr. 2022)

"The overview on types of human trafficking as well as typical signs/indications of victimhood was informative. The clarity of the presenters voice as well as her knowledge and dedication to this area of need was very good." K.K. (Apr. 2022)

"It was all very informative." C.J. (Apr. 2022)

"Presenter was knowledgeable and presented in a clear conversational manner." S.T. (Feb. 2022)

"Helpful knowing the statistics and early warning signs. Content presented in a logical and clear fashion." J.F. (Feb. 2022)

"It gave me a more broad definition of human trafficking and phone numbers for reporting." D.W. (Jan. 2022)

"I liked the specific stories and examples. Recognizing signs of trafficking, terminology, and how to assess/what questions to ask a victim or suspected victim." K.K. (Dec. 2021)

"I think knowing how a child reacts to trauma and red flags of human trafficking was most beneficial to my daily practice. I like that the course was easy to take on my own time and was beneficial to my practice." S.A. (Dec. 2021)

"I liked the interview approach, interpretation of responses and behaviors, and practical examples of consequences and signs of human trafficking." C.M. (Nov. 2021)

"The information about the brain was particularly interesting! The presenter's knowledge was impressive based on her personal experience and she covered the topic comprehensively. The topic was excellent and the class was better than I expected. I will recommend this to my fellow SLP's."  T.O. (Nov. 2021)

"I appreciated the therapeutic strategies helpful to individuals who have experienced trauma and the statistics - I had no idea the incidences were so high." K.J. (Nov. 2021)

"I really enjoyed all the examples/stories discussed in the presentation. It helped me better understand terms." M.D. (Sept. 2021)

"How it was presented; it was clear and concise. I like how the presenter added interjections when needed." K.C. (Aug. 2021)

"The warning signs of victims and intervention tech proven to be successful with trauma victims will help my daily practice.  The complete scope of information about Trafficking was good." P.M. (Aug. 2021)

"The presenter did a very good job. She was interesting and engaging and provided lots of examples and good information in a way that was easy to understand (especially the psychological and brain information)." R.S. (Aug. 2021)

"Connecting the numbers to day-to-day experiences made the information very memorable.  Many times after a course, I'll forget the information - not this.  It's going to stick with me and I think I will be better equipped to spot and report possible occurrences of this form of abuse." C.L. (June 2021)

“This course was very informative. I liked that you were able to learn at your own pace.” Q.R. (Mar. 2021)

“I have some children on my caseload with a history of trauma. I enjoyed learning more about the treatment approaches. It will help me be more vigilant in my fieldwork, and I have more confidence in reporting the things I see.” M.S. (Jan. 2021)

Course Objectives

  1. Summarize the federal definition of human trafficking from state and local, and from other crimes most often associated with human trafficking.
  2. Summarize what human trafficking looks like globally, nationally, state-wide, and locally.
  3. Identify warning signs and behaviors associated with traffickers, victims, and potential victims.
  4. Describe connections between human trafficking and early childhood sexual trauma, foster care, and homeless youth.
  5. Apply knowledge in professional fields: speech pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, education (K-12), dentistry, medical, nursing, social work, counseling, psychology, psychiatry, pharmacy, case management, family therapy, law enforcement, and others.


Domain of OT: Areas of Occupation: Social Participation; Client Factors: Values, Beliefs

OT Process: Outcomes: QOL

Presenter & Disclosures

Amy Rouleau, MPA, is the Founder and Executive Director of Restoration Place (2012), a faith-based, nonprofit organization to help minor victims of sexual exploitation. She has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, both from the University of Michigan. Amy is an author and national speaker; educating individuals, groups, and communities on how to identify and respond to human trafficking. She has spoken at several global and national anti-human trafficking conferences. Along with her numerous television appearances to give her expertise on combating human trafficking, Amy has given over 300 presentations and training seminars and written a book, Human Trafficking 101, Stories, Stats, and Solutions. Amy’s personal experience is what drives her passion and love for research; helping survivors of childhood sexual trauma and educating on how to identify, respond, and prevent human trafficking.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial — Amy Rouleau is the presenter of online CE courses sponsored by Northern Speech Services; receives royalties.

NonfinancialAmy Rouleau has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Intended Audience / Accreditation

asha ce approved provider

This program is offered for 0.25 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level; Related Area).

Intended Audience

  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Audiologist
  • LN
  • MD
  • Nurse
  • Other
  • Parent
  • Physician
  • Psych
  • PT
  • PTA
  • Rec Therapist
  • RN
  • SLPA
  • Social Worker
  • Student

ASHA CEUs: NSS online courses are registered with ASHA and are offered for ASHA CEUs. The number of ASHA CEUs is noted above. Note that 0.1 ASHA CEU = 1 contact hour = equals 1 CEE.

ASHA CE Registry: During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.

ASHA CEUs: Attendees must meet at least one of the following conditions in order to be eligible to earn ASHA CEUs:

  • Current ASHA Member
  • ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) Holder
  • Licensed by a state or provincial regulatory agency to practice speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology
  • Credentialed by a state regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
  • Credentialed by a national regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
  • Engaged in a Clinical Fellowship under the supervision of an individual with their ASHA CCC
  • Currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in SLP or audiology

If an attendee is not an ASHA member or CCC holder but meets any of the above criteria, they may inform the ASHA CE Registry of their eligibility by visiting this site.

Licensing Boards: Most state licensing boards DO accept CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some state boards do, however, place a limit to the number of credits that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any credit limits related to home-study courses prior to registering for this course.

Additional accrediting agencies by which Northern Speech is an approved CE provider:

  • California: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board. Provider #PDP4. Online CEU limits may apply; please contact SLPAHADB for current online CEU acceptance policies.
  • Iowa: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology Examiners. Provider #169.
  • Kansas: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Provider #LTS-S0005.

Frequently Asked Questions



Customer Support: Please phone 888.337.3866 or email info@northernspeech.com.

Course Completion Timeframe:

You have unlimited time to complete our online courses. You may log off and log on as often as you’d like to in order to complete all sections of a course.

However, completion dates are based on Eastern Standard Time. Therefore, if you need your CEUs by a certain date, be sure to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on that date. For example, if you need CEUs before January 1st, you will need to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on December 31st.

Content Access:

Access to course materials and content does not expire, even after completing the post test. You may continue to review course material by logging into your NSS account, clicking the My Online Courses tab, and then viewing your desired course.

Certificate of Completion:

On successful completion of the post test (80%), a certificate will be immediately available for download and/or printing. This certificate will include your name, date of completion (based on Eastern Time Zone, USA/Canada), and number of contact hours (CEUs / CEEs). Please note that CEUs are awarded on the date of successful test completion, not the date of course enrollment. Please ensure that you successfully complete the post test prior to any licensure renewal dates.

ASHA CE Registry Submission:

During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.

Purchase Orders:

Purchase orders are currently not accepted for online orders, if you wish to submit a purchase order please do so at info@northernspeech.com or fax to 888-696-9655.

What is an Online Course?

Our Online Courses consist of video, audio, and/or text content and are offered for ASHA CEUs. Unlike a webinar, which requires participants to be logged on and at a computer at specific times, our Online Courses are available to you at any time, from any device, via your NorthernSpeech.com online account. You may work at your own pace and start and stop your course as you wish. Your course will conclude with a short post test. On successful completion of the post test (>80%), a printable certificate of completion is presented to you.

Receiving CEUs:

Northern Speech is an ASHA CE Provider and our online courses are registered with ASHA and offered for ASHA CEUs. Please note that successful completion of the online post test is required prior to the awarding of CEUs. Please contact your state licensing board for acceptance policies related to CEUs earned online. Please note that courses offered for university students are not applicable for CEUs.

Registering for an online course:

You may browse all online courses by clicking the Continuing Education tab above, then Online Courses. Once you find a course, click Enroll Now, and you will be asked to either log into your existing Northern Speech account or create a new online account. Once you’ve entered your account information and provided your credit card payment, your course will be immediately available to you.

Accessing your purchased course or returning to a purchased course:

You will be able to access your online course by logging into your Northern Speech account and then clicking the My Online Courses tab on your profile screen. Click the course you would like to start or to resume. From there, proceed through the course sections until you are ready to complete the post test. You do not have to complete your course all at once. You may log on and off as you wish.

Testing requirements:

Each online course concludes with a post test consisting of multiple choice or true & false questions. Scores of 80% or greater are required for successful course completion and awarding of CEUs. You may revisit course materials and retest as needed to achieve a passing score.

Number of CEUs offered:

We offer courses from 1 to 21 contact hours. Each course will note the number of CEUs offered. Please note that 0.1 CEU = 1 contact hour = 1 CEE.

State licensing boards and online CEUs:

NSS is an ASHA CE Provider and most state licensing boards DO accept ASHA CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some boards do, however, place a limit to the number of CEUs that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any CEU limits related to home-study courses prior to enrolling in an online course.

Course formats:

Our course formats include: text, audio, video, and PowerPoint with author narration. Each course will note the format on the course description page. Most courses include closed captioning.

Course handouts:

Most of our online courses provide a link to download the accompanying handout as a PDF file. 

Group discounts:

Groups of 3 or more are eligible for a 20% discount on each registration on most of our online courses. To receive this discount, registrations need to be processed together via the "Group Rates" tab on the Online Course of your choice.

Computer requirements:

For our online courses to function best, we recommend that you update your computer to include the newest version of your Internet browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, etc.) and newest version of your computer's operating system. Also a high-speed Internet connection is recommended (cable or DSL). Speakers or headphones will be required for many of our courses as many contain audio components.

Course Cancellation Policy:

A purchased online course can be exchanged, refunded, or transferred to another individual if contact is made with NSS (via phone or email) within 30 days of purchase and the course materials have not been viewed or downloaded. 

Special Needs:

Please click here for any special needs requests, and we will do our best to accommodate them. 

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