Childhood trauma can ruin a life.
Keisha, 19, grew up in the foster care system and was sex trafficked most of her life across the US. One night, scared, and hiding in the bathroom of a restaurant, Keisha reached out to one of our safe home partners who called us and told us where she was. Our investigative team picked her up and brought her to a safe home. We took her to Target and let her pick out everything she needed; clothes, toothpaste, food, even a little teddy bear to hug at night. Keisha has documented seizure disorder and may be psychotic. Her allegations against the ring of traffickers are horrific. We developed a rapport with Keisha and were able to assist law enforcement in sorting facts from embellishments. (This involved assimilating information from over 20 public and private agencies in 8 states who expressed gratitude for our efforts). Keisha is currently being held in prison where she will finally have consistent medical and mental health care while law enforcement determines if she is a victim, or part of the trafficking ring, or likely, both.
Today, predators can reach vulnerable children through phones, social media, gaming platforms, and the internet, often before families realize something is wrong. Finding Kids responds through three core programs: Recover. Care. Target. We help locate missing and exploited children, support families during and after recovery, and work with law enforcement to identify and disrupt those who exploit youth. Our work continues after a child is found because recovery is only the beginning. By combining investigations, aftercare, and prevention, we help children return safely to their homes, schools, and communities while building a future where every vulnerable child receives help before crisis becomes exploitation. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly towards keeping kids safe. We cannot do this work without your support.
*Names has been changed to protect the victim’s identity.