Prevention In Action: The Finding Kids Decoy Program

Prevention In Action: The Finding Kids Decoy Program

“Our agency works seamlessly with Finding Kids. They provide us with instrumental tools to strengthen our investigations and help protect victims more effectively.”
Central Valley Police Department Investigator

The Finding Kids Decoy Program helps law enforcement identify adults seeking to exploit children before an actual child is harmed. Using trained young adult decoys in carefully controlled operations, the program targets traffickers and sex buyers who attempt to reach minors.

Between April 2025 and May 2026, the program contributed to 18 arrests, with two convictions secured to date and additional cases moving through the justice system.

To our knowledge, Finding Kids is the only nonprofit working in an official capacity with law enforcement in northern California to operate this type of program. The model is already drawing interest from other law enforcement agencies, and is expected to expand further.

With your help, the Finding Kids Decoy Program will continue giving law enforcement another proactive way to identify and stop adults who seek to exploit children before their abuse takes place. That is prevention in its strongest and most necessary form.

 

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.