October 14, 2025

Orange County Launches Program to Combat Human Trafficking

News Summary

Orange County is addressing the alarming rates of human trafficking, particularly among minors, with a new initiative called ‘Safe Communities, Safe Kids’ by Vanguard University. This program seeks to educate young people on the dangers of human trafficking and preventative measures. Funded by an $825,000 grant, peer educators train extensively to engage high school students in informative sessions, emphasizing the importance of awareness and trust in relationships. Positive feedback has emerged from presentations, highlighting the program’s impact on youth understanding of human trafficking issues.

Orange County is taking an important step in raising awareness about human trafficking through a new program launched by Vanguard University. The initiative, called “Safe Communities, Safe Kids,” was created in response to the alarming rates of human trafficking in the area, especially among minors. This program aims to educate young people about human trafficking, its dangers, and preventative measures.

The impetus behind this awareness campaign can be traced back to a landmark case in 2002 when the first known human trafficking victim in Orange County, an Egyptian girl, was enslaved for two years by a couple in Irvine. Despite Irvine being consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States, this tragic incident highlighted that human trafficking can occur anywhere, even in seemingly secure communities.

The program received a significant financial boost with an $825,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation. This funding allows Vanguard University’s peer educators from the “Live2Free” club to present educational sessions in local high schools. These peer educators have undergone 40 hours of training to effectively deliver the curriculum, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to engage students meaningfully.

Already, the Huntington Beach Union High School District has shown support for the “Safe Communities, Safe Kids” program, and plans are in motion to extend this initiative to other school districts across Orange County. On March 28, peer educators delivered a presentation to freshman students at Westminster High School, covering various topics related to human trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking, “sextortion,” and grooming relationships.

The presentations integrated interactive elements, such as role-play scenarios, to help students identify warning signs in interactions that could lead to exploitation. Following the sessions, many students expressed that they had previously normalized behaviors that could potentially place them at risk.

Data from the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force illustrates the seriousness of the issue, revealing that minors make up two out of five sex trafficking victims in the region. Specifically, 32 percent of these identified trafficking victims are female minors, while 4 percent are male minors. This alarming statistic emphasizes the necessity of education and prevention efforts in local schools.

Feedback mechanisms were established following the presentations, allowing students to communicate any concerns or seek assistance discreetly. This aspect of the program is crucial, as it fosters a safe environment for students to discuss issues that may arise after the presentations.

The weeklong program at Westminster High culminated in a follow-up session focusing on building healthy relationships and trust. Students were encouraged to identify trusted adults in their lives, further reinforcing the program’s proactive approach to prevention. Participants were rewarded with Jolly Rancher candies as an incentive for engagement, which also contributed to a more inviting learning atmosphere.

Staff members, including Leonard Ibarra, who teaches health at Westminster High, noted the importance of cultivating awareness of the dangers associated with controlling relationships. As the program concluded, students demonstrated improved caution and awareness in their social interactions, suggesting that such educational initiatives can have a positive impact on youth understanding of these critical issues.

The completion of the two-week program at Westminster High has garnered positive feedback, with signs pointing to a clearer recognition among students about the implications of human trafficking and the importance of trusting their instincts in social situations.

As Vanguard University continues to roll out this program in Orange County, the hope is to build a safer community for children and adolescents, arming them with the knowledge they need to protect themselves against potential exploitation.

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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

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