07/22/2026
What a priveledge to join others to raise awareness about human trafficking in Wilson County today! Mayor Hutto proclaimed that this is Red Sand Project Awareness Week in Wilson County, TN. Each grain of Red Sand represents a victim who falls thorough the cracks. We see regularly see child victims of trafficking at our Child Advocacy Center, and it might surprise you that those responsible aren't always strangers.
Know the signs of a child trafficking:
*A child is in possession of unexplained large amounts of cash, prepaid cards, hotel keys, multiple cell phones or apps providing multiple cell phone numbers
*The childโs ID is being held by another person, or they do not have any ID
*Signs that the child has been coached when talking to people, letting others speak for them or looking at others before they speak
*Tattoos or branding the child does not wish to talk about, explain or did not choose
*Chronic homelessness, youth who are unstably housed or children who frequently run awayย
*Abruptly disconnects from family and friendsย
*Close association with an overly controlling adultย
*Regular, unexplained school absences
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected child trafficking, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline at 1-800-THE-LOST or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.