Understanding Human Trafficking

Human trafficking happens when someone uses force, fraud, coercion, or manipulation to exploit another person — often for sex or labor — and thrives in environments shaped by poverty, instability, racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, and system involvement.

Traffickers often target young people who have been overlooked, unsupported, or pushed into survival mode. Trafficking is not about bad choices — it is about vulnerable environments, unmet needs, and systems that fail to show up with care.

At The Lost & Found Institute, we center healing, dignity, and lived-experience leadership in everything we do. We believe survivors deserve to be safe, valued, and free to write their own future.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Traffickers prey on isolation, instability, and unmet needs. Young people are especially vulnerable when they experience:

• Foster care involvement or aging out of care

• Juvenile justice system involvement

• Running away, homelessness, or couch surfing

• Family and interpersonal violence

• Economic instability, poverty, or survival needs

• Disconnection from family or community

• Mental health struggles or unaddressed trauma

• Lack of consistent, trusted adults

No young person is ever at fault. Vulnerability is never consent. Exploitation is never a choice.