01/13/2026
In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Alameda County Superintendent of School Alysse Castro joined Alameda County and Oakland city leaders to discuss new tools to combat human trafficking.
She spoke publicly for the first time about the ACOE-run Quest Academy school in Oakland that is dedicated to survivors of human trafficking.
"Being disengaged, underserved, and disconnected is simply the biggest risk for being trafficked," Superintendent Castro said.
"This work ultimately underscores the critical importance of educating young people about the vulnerabilities that face them, those at risk of being trafficked, particularly students who are experiencing instability or isolation, are system involved, or foster youth. That prevention with education and awareness is essential and it has to be rooted in strong partnerships."
The press conference was held by Oakland City Councilmember Charlene Wang, and included Alameda County DA Ursula Jones Dickson, Interim OPD Chief James Beere, Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam, among other city, county and community leaders.