Is My Child At Risk for Human Trafficking?

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What is human trafficking? Is your child at increased risk of being trafficked? Listen to this conversation with guests Dr. Yolanda Montgomery, a nurse, advocate, and the founder of Zoë Ministries, a nonprofit established in 2012 to combat human trafficking in Delaware and beyond, and Sara Poore, the Executive Director of the Delaware Anti-Trafficking Action Council (DATAC), leading statewide efforts to prevent human trafficking, support survivors, and strengthen community partnerships.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What is human trafficking, and how does it show up in the lives of children and teens in the U.S.?
• Why might children who have experienced foster care, adoption, or relative caregiving be at higher risk for trafficking?
• What role do things like running away, online activity, or mental health play in increasing risk?
• Are there particular ages or developmental stages when children are most at risk?
• What systemic factors—such as placement instability or a lack of adult oversight—contribute to vulnerability?
• What signs or red flags should caregivers be watching for in their children or teens?
• How does trafficking often begin for vulnerable youth?
• What should a caregiver do if they suspect trafficking or exploitation?
• If a child discloses trafficking or exploitation, what should a caregiver’s first response be?
• What kinds of services or professionals should a caregiver seek out to help a child recover from trafficking or exploitation?
• What are some preventative actions parents and caregivers can build into their homes and relationships with their kids?
• What can caregivers be sensitive to at home, things that may contribute to increasing risk factors for our kids who are more vulnerable to these risks? (
• What conversations should caregivers be having regularly with their tweens or teens about trafficking risks?
• What resources, hotlines, or support networks should every caregiver have saved in their phones, or know about?
• In addition to being the one safe, stable, nurturing adult in a child’s life, what other practical protective factors can parents and caregivers incorporate into their home’s daily rhythms?

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