Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom. 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 discuss: 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? Support the show Please leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org . We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them. Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content: Weekly podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building
