Overview
The Center to End the Trafficking and Exploitation of Children (CETEC) is a specialized program that fights child trafficking in Houston and Texas. Since 2007, this center has worked to protect our most vulnerable young people from exploitation and abuse. Houston sits at major highway crossings, making our city a key location where traffickers move children. CETEC tackles this crisis through research, training, and policy work. They study how trafficking happens in our neighborhoods to find better ways to stop it. The center trains police officers, social workers, and teachers to spot warning signs and help victims. They also push for stronger laws to protect children and punish traffickers. This work matters because trafficking affects children from all Houston neighborhoods - not just certain areas. Victims often come from our local schools, foster care, and homeless shelters. When we strengthen protections for these children, we make all our communities safer. CETEC helps survivors rebuild their lives with counseling and support services. You can support this work by learning the warning signs of trafficking, volunteering with Children at Risk, or advocating for protective policies. Contact Children at Risk to find training sessions, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support survivor services in Harris County.