Human Trafficking is one of the biggest problems facing the world today and is regarded by many as modern day slavery. Of the estimated 40.3 million trafficked persons around the world, about 1 out of every 4 of those are children. Human Trafficking consists of forced labor/commercial sex acts and is considered the third most profitable business for organized crime. 

Of those 40.3 million, around 2 million of those are children forced into child sex trafficking. Human Trafficking can be seen in all nations and has no limits for age, sex, race, religion, etc. While the topic is a very difficult one to discuss, it is important that we educate ourselves as parents to not only know the signs of Human Trafficking (and what to do about it) but that we're given the tools on how we can talk with our children about it. 

Joining us for this incredibly important episode is the Assistant Director of Donor Relations for Operation Underground Railroad- Hayden Paul.  O.U.R. is a dedicated nonprofit organization aimed at ending child slavery around the globe. Founded by Tim Ballard (a former special agent for the  Department of Homeland Security) O.U.R. is operated by many highly skilled individuals with backgrounds in special forces, law enforcement and other specialized areas. 

This episode is tailored specifically for parents and will cover both the basic background information of Human Trafficking and O.U.R. We will also go into more detail about how you can become involved in the fight to end this form of modern day slavery and how you can help to keep all children safe (not just our own.) Together we can all take a stand. The first step is taking the time to listen and educate ourselves. 

For more information, and to reference statistics and resources mentioned in the podcast, please follow the links provided below. 

1. O.U.R. official website: https://ourrescue.org/

2. O.U.R. fact sheet: https://ourrescue.org/files/158516120668f4de43b39212f4b2455240b4ae78d6.pdf

3. "A Parent's Guide to Instagram": https://www.facebook.com/help/instagram/154475974694511/?helpref=hc_fnav&bc[0]=Instagram%20Help&bc[1]=Privacy%20and%20Safety%20Center

4. U.S. Human Trafficking Hotline: 1 (888) 373-7888

5. Internet Crimes Against Children, Task Force Program: https://www.icactaskforce.org/

6. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.missingkids.org/HOME

7. O.U.R. Documentary: Operation Toussaint (available on O.U.R.'s site and Amazon)

8.  What is Sextortion? FBI video: https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/newss-what-is-sextortion/view