Schools & the Law: Hidden in Plain Sight – How Schools Can Prevent and Identify Human Trafficking and Provide Trauma-Informed Responses to Child Survivors

This webinar provides an overview of Florida’s legal framework governing child trafficking and its intersection with public education. Speakers will discuss how educators and school personnel can help prevent trafficking by equipping students with the knowledge to recognize and report exploitation. The session will also cover how school staff can identify students who may be survivors of trafficking and respond effectively using trauma-informed practices. Speakers will give particular attention to legal and educational obligations when addressing discipline, including expulsions, suspensions, and chronic absenteeism, to ensure that responses appropriately accommodate a survivor‑student’s trauma history. This program will be relevant to community members who are parents or caregivers, faculty, staff, and students, law enforcement and justice system representatives, non-profit agencies, and private-sector representatives, and anyone who wishes to learn more about the vital role schools can play in ending human trafficking.

About the Presenters:

Paolo Annino, JD, PhD, Glass Professor of Public Interest Law, Distinguished University Scholar, Public Interest Law Center, FSU College of Law

Clinical Professor Paolo Annino is a national leader in helping children in the health care, juvenile justice, and criminal law systems. Professor Annino is the Glass Professor of Public Interest Law and a Distinguished University Scholar at Florida State University College of Law. Annino is the Co-Director of the FSU College of Law Public Interest Law Center, and the Director of the Health Care Access Project, the Children in Prison Project, the Human Trafficking-Exploitation Law Project, and the Solitary Confinement Project. Professor Annino has taught at the FSU College of Law Public Interest Law Center since 1995. He earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Fordham University and a J.D. from FSU College of Law. Before teaching at FSU College of Law, Annino practiced public interest law as a public defender and as a legal services attorney.

Professor Emmalyn Dalton, Clinical Professor, Children’s Advocacy Clinic, Public Interest Law Center, FSU College of Law

Emmalyn Dalton joined FSU Law in 2023 as a fellow with the Children’s Advocacy Clinic. Dalton mentors students in the Children’s Advocacy Clinic, advocates and supervises students at all Children’s Advocacy Clinic court hearings, and provides the students with case guidance. She also organizes law reform projects and facilitates student community outreach presentations. Prior to joining FSU Law, Dalton worked as an assistant public defender with the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida, representing juvenile clients. While a student at the College of Law, she participated in the Children’s Advocacy Clinic and the Children in Prison Project and was involved in the creation of a documentary about the realities of solitary confinement for children in the adult prison system. Also, while a law student, Dalton completed an internship with the FSU College of Social Work’s Institute for Family Violence Studies, where she assisted in the creation of an online course for judges on intimate partner violence.

Emma Smith, Human Trafficking and Exploitation Project (HELP) law student, FSU College of Law

Emma Smith is a second-year law student at Florida State University College of Law and a legal advocate with the FSU Children’s Advocacy Clinic. Her work is driven by a calling to secure justice and safety for children navigating the legal system.

Valerie Busto, Human Trafficking and Exploitation Project (HELP) law student, FSU College of Law

Valerie Busto is a 2L law student at FSU College of Law. She is a student advocate at the FSU Children’s Advocacy Clinic and is working alongside Professor Paulo Annino with the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Law Project and the Children in Prison Project.

Dr. Michelle Gayle – Deputy Superintendent, Leon County Schools
As the Deputy Superintendent of Professional, Intervention, and Community Services, Dr. Gayle oversees School Board Administration, Intervention Services (Attendance, Foster Care, Families in Transition), Office of Admissions, Charter School, Homeschool, School Choice, Health Services, Mental Health Services, Marketing, Volunteers & Mentors, Community Partners, District Advisory Council (DAC), Student District Advisory Council (SDAC), and the Foundation for Leon County Schools.

Emma Champman

Emma Chapman is a second-year law student at Florida State University College of Law and a legal advocate with the FSU Children’s Advocacy Clinic. She is driven by a passion to fight for safety, security, and a bright future for every child through legal advocacy and community-wide awareness.

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