FORCED CRIMINALITY
YOUTH AND FORCED CRIMINALITY
Often, we think of the trafficking of youth through commercial sexual exploitation, and that continues to be the primary focus of many support services. What is less recognized is that youth may also be trafficked for their labor—in homes, businesses, or other workplaces—and are rarely identified as victims. Taking this understanding a step further, there are also youth who are forced or coerced to commit crimes as a form of labor trafficking. In these situations, traffickers exploit young people through threats, violence, debt, or manipulation, compelling them to engage in illegal acts such as drug sales, theft, or fraud for the trafficker’s benefit. Because these youth are encountered within the criminal justice system, their victimization is often overlooked, and they are treated as offenders rather than survivors of exploitation. Recognizing forced criminality as a form of labor trafficking is essential to ensuring these young people are identified, protected, and connected to trauma-informed care and supportive services, rather than being punished for their own exploitation.
Ensuring Equal Protections for All Trafficked Youth
SJI is advocating for Los Angeles County to recognize and respond to youth trafficked by forced criminality with the same commitment and infrastructure used to support Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC). Since 2012, Los Angeles County has built a strong framework for CSEC that includes specialized training, safe housing, youth-centered zones, and coordinated cross-agency task forces.
SJI believes the County must expand this framework to include all youth who are labor trafficked, including those coerced to commit crimes by their traffickers. It ensures youth are seen, supported, and safely guided to services, rather than punished for their exploitation.
Jimmy's Story
Jimmy Lopez
Jimmy, a survivor of labor trafficking for forced criminality, shares his experience of being criminalized instead of recognized as a child victim of trafficking. He also recalls that when he was arrested and detained, there were many other children in the facility with stories just like his. Read more about his background here.
Explore the Issue
Identifying and Addressing the Needs of Youth Who are Labor Trafficked By Forced Criminality
SJI developed a Policy Report and accompanying Fact Sheet to highlight how the child welfare system and other County and City agencies can do more to address the needs of labor-trafficked youth—especially those coerced into criminal activities. In addition to highlighting service gaps, the report aims to raise awareness among policymakers, service providers, and community members about the hidden nature of forced criminality and the urgent need for trauma-informed, youth-centered interventions.
Read ReportWatch Our Training
Human Trafficking by Forced Criminality and Its Intersection with the Child Welfare System
This training introduces forced criminality as a form of labor trafficking, highlights key warning signs and screening strategies, and shares trauma-informed approaches for identifying and supporting youth impacted by this exploitation. It is designed for frontline professionals—including educators, law enforcement, social workers, attorneys, and service providers—who may encounter trafficked youth in their work.
Watch TrainingHear from Lived-Experience Experts
Youth at Risk: The Impact of Labor Trafficking by Forced Criminality
On July 10, 2025, SJI hosted an insightful panel discussion on labor trafficking by Forced Criminality (LTFC) and its impact on youth. Panelist explored the complex intersections of homelessness, gang involvement and LTFC, shedding light on how these vulnerable groups are targeted and exploited. Attendees heard powerful testimonies from individuals with lived experiences, offering a firsthand perspective on the challenges and realities faced by youth who are labor trafficked by forced criminality. The discussion also covered potential solutions and actionable steps that can be taken to address and mitigate the impact of LTFC on youth. You can view our recording by following the link below.
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