Gang & Trafficking (Texas)
Direct counts are limited; this brief emphasizes how agencies identify risk, what proxy indicators are tracked, and where referrals go once risk is flagged.
What We Track
- Intake indicators and risk screens for trafficking (e.g., commercial sexual exploitation risk)
- Proxy indicators: specialized service referrals, hotline contacts, school incident categories
- Data handoffs among courts, probation, child welfare, and victim services
Methods
Because confirmed involvement is under-reported, we rely on proxy signals and pooled multi-year counts. We note definition changes and avoid treating gang-database entries as ground-truth outcomes.
Practice Notes (Stub)
- Standardize trafficking risk screening and staff training
- Document referral pathways and feedback loops to services
- Use trauma-informed interviewing and avoid stigmatizing labels in records