Press Release: Youth Oasis Discusses Youth Labor and Trafficking

Contact: Ms. Timeless Tate FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cell phone: 334-233-5327                                          January 3, 2022                                                                                                  

Email: Timeless.Tate@youthoasis.org

Youth Oasis Discusses Youth Labor and Trafficking 

Baton Rouge- Youth Oasis brings awareness to the real truth of Child Labor and Youth Trafficking globally.  There will be a Facebook live/Recorded Zoom discussion for the general public to listen, learn, and find ways that we all can tackle the issue of youth working in harmful conditions, being taken from families, and much more.  The discussion will have special guest Kathy Cusimano from Child Advocacy Services and CASA.  Tune in this January to watch and share with the community.

The Department of Labor suggests that there are approximately 500,000 child farmworkers in the United States. Many of these children start working as young as age 8, and 72-hour work weeks (more than 10 hours per day) are not uncommon.  Many are immigrant or undocumented youth having to survive and provide for their families, often helping their parents pay the bills.

Another issue that silently happening, is youth trafficking or the kidnapping of youth into the sex trade, drug trade, or forced servitude. Often times trafficking is the vehicle into child labor. Unfortunately, awareness around black and brown youth being kidnapped or trafficked goes unreported and unfiled, which leads to non-investigation and more youth falling victim to the same unknown person or companies.

 Youth that are currently homeless are at the highest risk of being abducted or most vulnerable. Executive Director, Tekoah Boatner of Youth Oasis knows exactly how youth even in housing care are vulnerable, “Youth in Supervised Care Settings are at increased risk of trafficking because of the perceived lack of strong social connections and support. We have seen that insulating these youth within an informed and proactive village reduces their risk of being targeted.” 

We believe in community support, and it takes a village to help youth!  Donations and funding to support Youth Oasis will be greatly appreciated. To learn more about Youth Oasis and our services, please visit our website at www.youthoasis.org or email us at Info@youthoasis.org Our Doors Are Always Open! 

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The mission of Youth Oasis is to support youth and young adults recovering from the trauma of homelessness and family separation through housing, healthcare, and advocacy. They work toward a Louisiana that cares for, supports, and affirms all youth, nurturing their growth into responsible, resilient citizens. They are founded on the ideal of breaking the cycle of homelessness in our community and state by operating the foster youth shelter, transitional living center, and Diversity House. To learn more, visit youthoasis.org.