Caregivers

Tips and resources to help protect your child from human trafficking.

Current as of: August 17, 2026

Safety Starts With Connection

Children and youth are growing up in a rapidly changing world. The way they make friends, communicate, and spend their time may look very different than it did when you were growing up. If you feel like you’re playing catch-up, you’re not alone.

This page offers practical, actionable resources you can use right away to help your child navigate the world with more confidence and safety.

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is when someone uses force, lies, threats, or pressure to make another person work or have sex in exchange for something of value — such as money, food, a place to live, drugs, or anything else.

When someone under 18 is involved, being asked to exchange sex for something of value is human trafficking, even if no one uses force, threats, or pressure.

It can overlap with other abuses, including child abuse, dating violence, sexual assault, bullying, harassment, sextortion, and various forms of technology-facilitated abuse.

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How Traffickers and Abusers Try To Gain Control

Traffickers and abusers often target young people seeking connection and belonging — especially when they feel alone, stressed, or misunderstood. They may also focus on youth who are trying to meet basic needs, like food, housing, safety, or money.

They may build trust and offer attention, rides, gifts, or support. What feels special at first can turn into pressure, manipulation, or threats to stay in control. Sometimes those threats involve family — like saying they’ll hurt someone or share private information.

Why Connection Matters

Strong family connections can help lower risk. When children and youth feel safe, supported, and connected at home, they may be less vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. Connection isn’t about being perfect — it's about showing up, listening, and keeping the door open.

Ongoing conversations and support matter. When children and youth know they can talk without fear of blame, punishment, or embarrassment, they’re more likely to speak up if something feels wrong or if someone is trying to hurt them. Small check-ins add up.

If something does happen, your response can make a big difference. Stay calm, believe them, and focus on safety — not punishment. This can help them feel supported and more willing to open up or come to you for help in the future.

Caregivers may feel a range of emotions, including anger, guilt, shame, or embarrassment. Abuse is never your fault or your child’s. You are not alone. Help is available.

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What You Can Do

You can help lower risks by strengthening the supports and skills that children and youth need to stay safe.

Protective steps you can take:

Help your child build strong, supportive relationships with trusted adults — starting with you.
Encourage safe, positive peer relationships and involvement in extracurricular and community activities.
Model healthy relationships, respectful boundaries, and how to handle tough conversations.
Make regular check-ins part of your daily routine. Talk about healthy relationships, safe boundaries, online safety, risks like trafficking, and the importance of balancing screen time and time with family and friends.
Support a positive self-image and confidence.

Tools To Help

Guides and Informational Resources

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Activities

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Videos

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Help Is Available

If you’re worried about a child’s immediate safety, call 911. If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, these resources can help you decide what to do next.