Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
The Elmore County Commission approved a proclamation, Jan. 12, 2026, during their regular meeting, declaring January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month and reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.
This year’s national theme, “Stronger Connections, Stronger Futures,” highlights the role of supportive relationships and safe environments in preventing human trafficking and other forms of abuse. Officials emphasize that fostering strong community connections can help reduce isolation, a common factor that traffickers exploit.
“Preventing, recognizing, and responding to human trafficking cannot be accomplished alone,” said Michelle Wood, director of the Elmore County Department of Human Services. “Due to the isolating nature of human trafficking, a lot of people in our neighborhoods do not even know that they are at risk for human trafficking.”
Wood also noted an increase in children and teens being targeted by online predators, a trend that first responders and child-serving agencies are encountering more frequently. She explained that the rapid growth of social media platforms, games, and apps provides predators with easier access to young people.
“It is staggering to see the numbers and all the things that are happening out there,” said District 1 Commissioner Henry Hines. “We are trying to get with the legislators to see what else we can do to take care of some of these criminals who are getting out overnight because our children are our future, but they are being abused.”
After comments from commissioners, a special presentation marked the formal proclamation of January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month.
For more information about Human Trafficking, including how you can get help, visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en.
