The Link Between Foster Care and Human Trafficking

“A Los Angeles Probation Department survey revealed that 59 percent of the 174 children arrested for prostitution were in the foster care system and victims were often recruited from group homes.”

-Rochelle Rollins, PhD, MPH

When first reading the article “Foster Care and Human Trafficking – A Parent’s Perspective,” I was completely shocked at the numbers that exposed the reality of human trafficking among children.

“It is estimated that between 100,000-300,000 American youth are currently at risk for becoming victims of trafficking” (Rollins). At risk? That is a large percentage of the child population that is in danger of being picked up for sex trafficking. Sad to say, many of these youths that are in danger are also part of the foster care system. Children who do not live in stable environments find themselves more apt to fall into this category of at-risk children. Many of these children are found vulnerable and in a state of wanting someone, anyone, to love them. The world of human trafficking perverts the perception of love.

Giving a child a trash bag to pack their belongings in does not help either. We can share the true meaning of love with foster children by providing them with a suitcase to call their own and to replace the trash bags they once used. We provide foster and at-risk children with a brand new suitcase and character-building materials. Essentially we are providing the children with a true sense of love and support.

If you are interested in helping to provide these at-risk and foster children with a brand new suitcase through A Case for Character, please visit our DONATE page for more details. If you would like to become a part of a specific project, please visit our GET INVOLVED page for more options.

For more details on the link between foster care and human trafficking be sure to read the full article "Foster Care and Human Trafficking -- A Parent's Perspective" [Click here]

Kierstyn Martell

Kierstyn is Forever Kids' media director and campaign coordinator. Stepping into ministry with Tony and Kathy Salerno several years ago, she continues to help promote awareness for the organization's passion to help meet the needs of children in a character way.

Rollins, PhD, MPH, Rochelle. "Foster Care and Human Trafficking – A Parent's Perspective | Administration for Children and Families." Web log post. Administration for Children and Families. Administration for Children and Families, 2 Aug. 2014. Web. 23 Jan. 2015.