Human trafficking is a hidden but very real threat facing students across California, and schools play a critical role in recognizing and responding to it.
California Assembly Bill 1227 (AB 1227) underscores the responsibility of K–12 educators to be trained in identifying and preventing human trafficking, ensuring that staff can protect students and connect them with the support they need.
Introduced in 2017, California Assembly Bill 1227 is a law designed to ensure that K–12 educators are prepared to recognize and respond to human trafficking and related abuse among students. The law expands the 2016 California Healthy Youth Act (which encompasses sexual health education) to require that professional training include human trafficking prevention, sexual abuse awareness, and strategies for protecting students from exploitation.
AB 1227 applies to all California K–12 educators, including teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators. It was enacted in recognition of the critical role schools play in early identification and intervention, as educators are often the first trusted adults to notice warning signs of trafficking. School districts are responsible for ensuring that educators complete this training, but they do not need to create these programs themselves.
Training programs can come from:
Enforcement of AB 1227 relies on district-level compliance. While the law does not impose penalties on individual educators, AB 1227 is recognized as a state-mandated local program, meaning compliance aligns with broader state reporting and professional development obligations for K–12 staff.
Funding for the training generally comes from state-provided resources or through existing professional development budgets. Some districts may partner with external providers to deliver comprehensive and compliant training.
Students spend a significant portion of their day at school, which places educators in a unique position to notice changes in behavior, physical signs of abuse, or social patterns that may indicate exploitation. Young people can be especially vulnerable to human trafficking due to factors such as:
Furthermore, traffickers often target students who lack trusted adults or are struggling with personal challenges. Without trained adults who recognize the warning signs, exploitation can go unnoticed.
The bottom line is that early recognition can prevent harm and save lives. Teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators who understand the risk factors and know how to respond appropriately can intervene before a situation escalates.
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AB 1227-compliant training covers a range of topics that pertain to recognizing the signs of trafficking and responding appropriately.
Educators will learn what constitutes human trafficking, including labor trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude. Understanding the different forms of trafficking helps school staff recognize situations that may otherwise go unnoticed.
To the untrained eye, warning signs can range from fairly apparent to extremely easy to miss. Signs include behavioral changes, unexplained absences, signs of physical or emotional abuse, sudden changes in peer groups, or possession of unexplained gifts or money. If they spot these indicators early enough, educators can intervene before harm escalates.
Training addresses how traffickers use technology such as social media, messaging apps, and online gaming platforms to groom and manipulate students. Educators learn strategies to identify suspicious online activity and guide students toward safe digital practices.
Trauma-informed approaches to intervention recognize the impact of trauma on a student’s life and prioritize their safety, trust, and emotional well-being. Educators learn how to respond to confidential disclosures in a supportive, nonjudgmental way while following proper reporting procedures and connecting students to counseling and community resources.
California educators can meet the AB 1227 training requirement through a variety of state-approved professional development programs. These programs are designed to provide practical knowledge and skills that equip school staff to recognize, respond to, and prevent human trafficking while fulfilling their district’s legal obligations.
The University of San Diego’s Human Trafficking Training for Education Professionals course is a 1-credit professional development course for K–12 educators, counselors, nurses, and other frontline school staff. Participants will learn how to:
By completing this course, educators not only fulfill their AB 1227 compliance requirement but also gain valuable professional development skills and practical tools that strengthen their ability to protect students and foster a safe school environment.
Enroll in Human Trafficking Training for Education Professionals today to meet AB 1227 requirements and act confidently and compassionately in the face of human trafficking risks.
What is AB 1227?
California Assembly Bill 1227 (AB 1227) is a California law that requires K–12 educators to complete training on human trafficking and abuse prevention. The law ensures school staff can recognize warning signs, respond appropriately, and connect students to support services.
Who needs to take AB 1227 training?
All California K–12 educators, including teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators, are required to complete AB 1227 training. The goal is to equip frontline school staff with the practical tools to identify and respond to students at risk of human trafficking.
What do teachers learn in human trafficking training?
Participants in AB 1227 training learn to define human trafficking, understand the different types, recognize red flags in students, assess risk factors, and respond using a trauma-informed approach that protects the victim. Training also covers the role of technology in exploitation and how to make safe referrals for students in need.
Where can I find approved training for AB 1227?
Approved AB 1227 training is offered through state-recommended programs, professional development providers, and higher education institutions. For example, the University of San Diego’s Human Trafficking Training for Education Professionals course provides comprehensive instruction and graduate-level extension credit for K–12 educators.