October marks World Mental Health Day, a perfect chance to spotlight our partners who bridge mental health support and anti-trafficking work.

At the Children's Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties in Edinburg, Texas, forensic interviewer Cassie Cruz and lead therapist Jeanette Rodriguez create safe spaces at different stages of a child's healing journey.

"We go where the child takes us," Cassie explains about her forensic interviews. "As long as they want to keep providing information, we stay." Jeanette, as a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapist, uses her therapeutic toolbox of words, music, art, games, and puppets. "Sometimes it's just safer to talk when there's a puppet around."

Sex trafficking often hides within cases initially categorized as "universal sexual abuse." Many victims don't recognize they're being trafficked, and memories shrouded by PTSD symptoms make disclosure difficult. Even seasoned professionals at CACHSC needed specialized training to recognize trafficking's intricacies.

In 2020, Allies Against Slavery provided CACHSC with training and tools like Lighthouse to help identify trafficking indicators. "That training got our critical thinking a lot more active," Cassie reflects. Jeanette adds: "Since we have gone through the training, we have definitely become more aware. It's possible these things could continue to go on, and we wouldn't have been able to help them."

These professionals demonstrate that trauma-informed mental health approaches combined with practical assessment tools can transform outcomes. Mental health support and freedom go hand in hand.

To all professionals working at the intersection of child welfare, mental health, and anti-trafficking, your work matters. Thank you! You remind us of the importance of investing in trauma-informed training for your teams.