Children and youth in foster care have a higher risk of experiencing trafficking and sexual exploitation. Youth who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, Two-Spirit, or other gender or sexual identity) or who run away from care may be particularly vulnerable.

Federal laws, such as the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, and the Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act, help lay the groundwork for how child welfare and other agencies should respond and collaborate in these cases and establish prevention programs.

Explore the resources on this page to learn more about the risk factors and signs of trafficking and sexual exploitation and best practices in identifying, responding, and supporting children and youth who are or are at risk of experiencing trafficking or sexual exploitation, as well as their families. 

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