This weeks reading(s) have been about human trafficking; specifically safe harboring laws as they apply to human trafficking. In researching your assigned state, please discuss your states approach to

This weeks reading(s) have been about human trafficking; specifically safe harboring laws as they apply to human trafficking. In researching your assigned state, please discuss your states approach to the following areas: My assigned state is Texas 

1. Decriminalization or diversion: Minors must not be held criminally liable for prostitution but rather reclassified as victims (decriminalization), or there must be mandated rehabilitative services for minors, with criminal charges of prostitution based on the discretion of a judge or prosecutor (diversion).
2. Training: All officials who might encounter minors involved in prostitution must have adequate training on identification and interviewing of minors and available rehabilitative services to understand the culture and trauma associated with the sex trafficking of minors.
3. Task Forces:Interagency collaboration should be emphasized to exchange information, share resources and connect victims to services for complete recovery.
4. Victim Services:Mental, physical, emotional, familial, educational and recreational rehabilitation measures must be available to victims.
5. Penalties:There should beincreased sentences and punishments for traffickers and buyers of sex to deter future exploitation.
6. Funding:There must beadequate funding to implement legislation and properly protect minors experiencing sexual exploitation.

Please be sure to address your states strengths and weaknesses when it comes to human trafficking prevention.