Why Are Those Who Have Experienced Foster Care at Greater Risk for Becoming Victims of Human Trafficking?

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the United States. It's a difficult subject, but we must shed light on modern-day slavery, because people are being exploited through force, fraud, or coercion for labor, services, or commercial sex, and those with prior ties to the foster care system are highly at risk.

Have you heard about the challenges young adults who are emancipated from the foster care system often face? Early pregnancy and parenting, substance abuse, incarceration, homelessness and human trafficking are common for those who spent time in foster care, and a Florida study estimated that 50% to 90% of child trafficking victims have been involved with the foster care system. Some of the risk factors include:

• Limited stable relationships and support networks make it harder to develop connections with protective adults who could identify and prevent exploitation. Frequent placement changes often disrupt these vital relationships.


• Economic challenges after aging out of the system create vulnerability. Without resources, youth may face poverty, housing insecurity, and unemployment - circumstances that traffickers often target.


• Past trauma from abuse or neglect can impact decision-making and make youth more susceptible to manipulation by traffickers who initially pose as caring friends or romantic partners.


• Reduced family support and trusted connections leave many former foster youth without the protective networks that could help them recognize and avoid dangerous situations.


• Gaps in essential life skills development, particularly around safety awareness, financial literacy, and building healthy relationships, can increase vulnerability.
  

Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention and supporting youth transitioning from foster care, but you also have to earn the trust of these young adults to become a person of influence in their lives. That takes time, so starting as early as possible is important. 

If you want to learn how you can help kids in foster care, reach out to a Foster Care & Adoption Guide or Join an Online Info Session. You can be family for children who need one!