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Effective January 1, 2024, and in response to an uptick in human trafficking during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilities that provide pediatric care have been added to the list of establishments that must post a prescribed notice containing information about slavery and human trafficking. Human trafficking – a form of modern-day slavery that profits from the exploitation of our most vulnerable populations – is among the world's fastest growing criminal enterprises and is estimated to be a $150 billion-a-year global industry.

The required notice, developed by the California Department of Justice and available in 23 languages, includes details on how to seek help or report unlawful activity, as well as information related to support and other services available to human trafficking victims. The notice must be on at least 8.5x11-inch paper in 16-point font, and must be posted in a conspicuous place either near the public entrance of the establishment, or in clear view of the public and employees where other similar notices are customarily posted. 

This change is the result of a bill passed last year AB 1740 (Sanchez), supported by the California Medical Association. AB 1740 expanded the scope of Civil Code section 52.6 to include pediatric care facilities. The law was first added in 2013 by SB 1193 (Steinberg).

For purposes of this law, “facilities that provide pediatric care” means a medical facility that provide services rendered by any licensed physician to persons from birth to 21 years of age, including attendance at labor and delivery.

Each mandated business is required to post the notice in English and Spanish (a one-page, dual English/Spanish notice template is available on the California DOJ’s website). Posting in a third language is required in certain counties that are subject to the language assistance provisions of the federal Voting Rights Act.

Based on the most recent U.S. DOJ determinations made on December 8, 2021, this status currently applies to nine counties in California: Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. Please consult the U.S. DOJ Voting Rights Act page for the most recent list of counties subject to this requirement.

If your pediatric care facility is in one of these counties with a language other than Spanish indicated, you must post the notice in a third language (in addition to English and Spanish) using one of the translated templates on the California DOJ human trafficking notice page. The law only requires businesses in these counties to post the notice in one additional language other than English and Spanish, even in counties that have two or more additional languages. Posting in every additional language beyond three is not required under Civil Code section 52.6.

For more information on California’s efforts to fight human trafficking, visit the California Department of Justice website.