The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors requested a study Tuesday on preventing those economically affected by the January wildfires from becoming victims of human trafficking.
The director of the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs was asked to take action within 30 days to augment resources to help protect fire victims from being further victimized.
The DCBA was also asked to report back in 60 days on progress made, barriers encountered and recommendations to overcome them.
A targeted public awareness campaign will be launched and relevant county departments were asked to work with existing human trafficking working groups.
Tuesday’s motion introduced by Supervisor Holly Mitchell also called on the County Counsel and the Internal Services Department to report back in 60 days to ensure county departments were not indirectly participating in human trafficking.
Mitchell cited data that indicated an uptick in human trafficking following natural disasters, as noted in Houston after Hurricane Harvey and in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
“January wildfires created tragic levels of destruction and loss of life, homes and jobs,” Mitchell stated. “Wildfires leave individuals vulnerable to the danger of exploitation and trafficking, stripping them of their homes, jobs and entire communities that provide them with the vital support, leaving them desperate and vulnerable to traffickers.”