There is a very specific reason as to why the state of Texas requires human trafficking training for cosmetology continuing education. This is because beauty professionals are in a unique position to notice or identify potential warning signs of those abuses. Those who work at salons, spas, barbershops and similar workplaces often involve close, one-on-one interactions with their clients.
As a result, a cosmetologist may see the same person repeatedly and, over the course of some time, note changes in behavior or signs that someone is being manipulated, intimidated or exploited. Their training will now help them to recognize these abuses in an everyday setting and that, of course, can make a very real difference.
Texas Cosmetology CE and Human Trafficking Training
According to Texas Department of Licensing Regulation (TDLR) guidance for barbering and cosmetology continuing education, a licensee must complete four hours of department-approved continuing education every two years. This will include one hour of sanitation, two hours of approved elective topics and another single hour of department-approved human trafficking training. Those who have held a Texas cosmetology license for at least 15 years can forgo the elective training but must still complete sanitation and human trafficking awareness. As a result, it’s clear to see that this training component is not a one-time formality. The state of Texas and TDLR are both taking proactive steps to further identify and protect human trafficking victims.
Human Trafficking Identification
With continued awareness through TDLR human trafficking training, trainees will know more about the sexual exploitation, force, fraud, coercion and manipulation that make up a big part of the trafficking problem. For cosmetology experts, the training is meant to be practical. It focuses on what human trafficking is, how exploitation may appear in their professional setting, which red flags to look for and how to respond in a way that protects the professional as well as the suspected victim.
The goal of the human trafficking awareness training is not to turn cosmetologists into investigators or law-enforcement officers. The training is intended to help license renewal applicants recognize possible signs of trafficking and avoid actions that could put themselves or a potential victim at greater risk. This is particularly important as those victims may face issues such as language barriers, surveillance and emotional manipulation that would prevent them from seeking help more directly.
For a cosmetology license holder, the takeaway is simple: TDLR human trafficking training must be completed through approved continuing education channels so that it will count toward renewal. Completion obviously helps a person remain compliant but it may also place a cosmetologist in a position to recognize warning signs in someone who has regular contact with them. In these instances, safe reporting and informed professionalism can literally save a life.
If you are looking for Texas cosmetology continuing education, you’re in the right place. American Course Academy offers both 2-Hour and 4-Hour TDLR-approved cosmetology training. Your cosmetology continuing education can be completed remotely through any internet-connected device. This means you can complete your training from anywhere and at any time. Find the course that applies to you and enroll in minutes.
