Children who are missing, have run away, or are experiencing homelessness face unique vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit. These challenges often intersect, creating a cycle of exploitation that is difficult to break. Understanding these connections helps us create targeted solutions.
Missing children are often at immediate risk of exploitation. Whether abducted or lost, they are isolated from their support systems and may be coerced into trafficking through force or deception. In the U.S., thousands of children are reported missing each year, with a significant number targeted by traffickers.
Children are reported missing annually in the U.S.
Runaway youth are likely to be sex trafficking victims, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Many youth run away to escape abuse, neglect, or instability at home. Unfortunately, their vulnerabilities increase exponentially once they are on the streets. Traffickers often prey on runaway youth, offering false promises of safety, shelter, or employment as a means of entrapment.
"The streets are not a haven—they are a hunting ground for traffickers targeting vulnerable youth."
Homelessness leaves youth without basic needs like shelter, food, or safety, making them susceptible to exploitation. Survival sex—exchanging sex for shelter or resources—is a tragic reality for many homeless children. Without intervention, these youth often become trapped in cycles of trafficking.
Missing children, runaway youth, and homeless children often overlap in their experiences. Many homeless youth have run away from unsafe homes, and missing children may find themselves homeless or in exploitative situations. These overlapping vulnerabilities create an urgent need for coordinated intervention.
Our organization is dedicated to addressing these interconnected issues by:
Our investigative agency partnerships enable us to actively search for and recover missing children, ensuring they receive the care and protection they need.
Educating communities, families, and schools about the risks of trafficking and how to identify early warning signs.
Partnering with law enforcement and shelters to provide immediate support for missing, runaway, and homeless children.
Offering trauma-informed care, housing, and educational resources to survivors to rebuild their lives.
Together, we can protect vulnerable children from falling into the hands of traffickers. Your support helps us provide critical services and create a safer future for every child.
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