Shining a Light on the Hidden Crisis: How Youth Screenings in Texas and Louisiana Are Uncovering Vulnerable Youth through Data Analysis

By: Kristin Boorse, CEO, Spotlight

Working in a mission-based organization I get asked several questions repeatedly: how big is the problem and how do you know your work is having an impact?

Human trafficking is a massive, under-identified crisis. The numbers are staggering: while global estimates put the number of trafficking victims in the tens of millions, confirmed cases fall far short. The gap between the reality of exploitation and our ability to see it is vast.

A recent report by Allies Against Slavery sheds light on the trends emerging from Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Identification Tool (CSE-IT) screenings in Texas and Louisiana. The CSE-IT is a standard screening tool that helps professionals across juvenile justice, child welfare, and advocacy organizations detect the subtle indicators of trafficking in youth. The findings both reaffirm known vulnerabilities and offer new insights into the scale of juvenile sex trafficking risks, helping shape a broader response to trafficking in the United States. 

What the Data Tells Us

Over 174,000 screenings have been conducted in Texas, with 9.9% of youth scoring in the “Clear Concern” category—meaning they are at high risk for trafficking. In Louisiana, where screenings have been implemented more recently, 6,829 screenings have been completed, and a striking 18.3% of youth were flagged as high-risk.

Who is Most at Risk?

The data paints a clear picture of who is most vulnerable:

• The median age of high-risk youth is 15–16 years old.

• 77.6% of high-risk cases involve female youth, though male youth remain under-identified.

• LGBTQ+ youth and individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected.

• In Texas, African American and White youth are overrepresented in high-risk cases, while in Louisiana, Hispanic/Latino youth are flagged at higher rates. 

Common Risk Indicators

The findings in this report align with existing research on vulnerabilities to sex trafficking, which include a range of adverse life experiences. In this research report, a staggering 95.9% of high-risk cases exhibit at least one of these indicators:

• Running away or extended absence from home

• Past or current involvement with child welfare services

• A history of sexual abuse

• Interaction with law enforcement or juvenile justice

• Engagement in risk-taking behaviors

Why Screening?

One of the biggest challenges in combating trafficking is that victims don’t always self-identify, and frontline professionals may not know what to look for. Standardized screening tools like CSE-IT help ensure warning signs aren’t overlooked. 

Texas Juvenile Probation Departments have conducted the highest number of screenings, yet agencies that specialize in serving sexually exploited youth identify the highest proportion of high-risk cases. This highlights the need for more training and consistency in how screenings are conducted across different sectors.

What Now?

With knowledge comes power. While this study has data from two states, there are many others with little to no visibility. In an ideal world, we would have consistent mandatory screening using the same tool (and training across the United States). This bird's-eye view would be critical in:

• Identifying juvenile sex trafficking risks at the local, regional and national levels

• Leveraging data driven insights to develop prevention strategies and measure outcomes

• Implement targeted prevention programs for high risk youth, including LGBTQ+ and individuals with disabilities. 

• Coordinated response: Scale effective prevention programming across organizations and locations 

Looking Forward

Sometimes it’s hard to face the dark reality of juvenile sex trafficking, but I hope the data from this report serves as a wake-up call, that this is a prevalent issue which we can measure. Within the data we have a roadmap for action. Screening isn’t just about identifying victims—it’s about intervening early, preventing further harm, and ensuring that vulnerable youth get the support they need before they fall deeper into exploitation.

We have the tools. Now, it’s about scaling the effort, closing the gaps, and ensuring no victim goes unseen. Because every child deserves to be found and the opportunity to reclaim their future.

How You Can Help 

If you work in child welfare, juvenile justice, education, or healthcare, consider advocating for better screening and intervention programs. Read the full report from Allies Against Slavery. If you want to support this mission, donate to organizations like Allies Against Slavery and Spotlight that are making a difference on the frontlines.

If you think you know someone who is a victim of human trafficking, reach out to your local police or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888).

If you are inspired by the use of data and technology in the fight against trafficking, consider a donation to Spotlight to keep this technology in the hands of first responders.