Is My Child At Risk for Human Trafficking?

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 cover:

  • 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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Music Credit: Michael Ashworth; Podcast Producer: https://www.megownsoundworks.com/; Photo by Runshi Zheng from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-gray-turtleneck-sweater-and-blue-denim-jeans-sitting-on-brown-wooden-bench-3788051/