Protecting Montana’s Youth: New Course Against Human Trafficking

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 27, 2024, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced a human trafficking course developed by the Montana Department of Justice to raise awareness and educate Montana students about human trafficking and online exploitation. 

The course, called “Enlightened,” was developed in coordination with anti-human trafficking organizations and features human trafficking survivors and Division of Criminal Investigation agents who are on the front lines combatting human trafficking.

According to Knudsen, the course includes a video and an in-class discussion sheet to help teachers and/or parents start the discussion and educate their students about human trafficking and internet crimes against children.  

“Young Montanans need to be aware of the problem and know the signs of human trafficking so they can recognize it and ask for help if they need it or knows someone who does,” Knudsen said. “I’m thankful to the organizations, like Unchained, that helped us put this course together and joined us in the fight against human trafficking. I urge every parent, teacher, and school administrator to utilize this content. Together, we can keep children safe and stop human trafficking in Montana.” 

Knudsen said the Montana Department of Justice is working with the Office of Public Instruction to disseminate the curriculum to classrooms across the state. 

“Our children are Montana’s most precious resources,” OPI Superintendent Elsie Arntzen said. “This is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to promote safety and security through education. I am proud of the partnership between my office, the Department of Justice, and Unchained to protect all our Montana students.” 

READ MORE: How You Can Help Prevent Human Trafficking in Montana

“Unchained is honored to partner with the Department of Justice and the Department of Education in our collective effort to protect the children of Montana from predators that seek to exploit and harm them through internet crimes and human trafficking,” Scott Roberts, CEO and founder of Unchained, said. “This threat is grave and growing. Through education, our families, schools, and children will be much better prepared to recognize and avoid being victims of these horrible crimes.”  

The curriculum is available on the DOJ’s website here.