Young People Targeted by Exploitation
Youth at the Margins
Young people deserve safety, stability, and adults they can trust. Yet LGBTQ+ youth, foster teens, and runaway youth are targeted every day by traffickers who exploit loneliness, online vulnerability, and unstable home environments. Our work focuses on giving these young people real protection—not fear-based messaging or sensationalized narratives.
Why It Matters
Youth at the margins face unique risks, including:
Online Grooming & Manipulation – Traffickers connect with isolated youth through social media and gaming platforms.
Instability in Foster or Group Homes – Frequent placement changes and limited oversight create openings for recruitment.
Family Rejection or Identity-Based Discrimination – LGBTQ+ youth without support are more likely to be targeted and coerced.
These conditions don’t just increase vulnerability—they reduce the likelihood that youth will ask for help.
How We Help
We partner with schools, youth programs, and social service agencies to:
Build affirming, trauma-aware prevention systems
Train staff in early identification of grooming dynamics
Strengthen safe-adult networks around at-risk youth
Provide clear, non-punitive reporting pathways
Our goal is simple: create environments where youth feel seen, valued, and protected.
How Communities Can Take Action
Support inclusive youth programs
Advocate for stable foster placements
Promote digital-safety education
Fund LGBTQ+ and youth services with proven outcomes
