Runaway Teens

The pressing issue of human trafficking, which is called modern-day slavery by many is only growing more pressing as the issue grows, affecting more and more families. Thankfully, our organization, Saved In America is on the job and fighting against these predators. Our team is made up of former Navy SEALs and retired police officers who are well-equipped and specially trained to find these children and restore them to the safety of their families. This CBS news piece explains more about our organization and some specifics on a recent case. 

Joseph Travers Shares The Importance of SIA Services 

Saved In America proudly offers our services to families in need at no cost to them. We fill in the gap, helping law enforcement that is overtaxed and understaffed to fight against the evils of this industry alone. SIA founder Joseph Travers explains more:

“There’s not enough resources for the police to dedicate the right investigative resources to every runaway.”

Time is of utmost importance as teens who are not located within 48 hours of their running away are at an increased risk of being lured into the sex trade industry. Seemingly friendly people victimize these girls, creating a relationship of trust before becoming the predator that they truly are pimping out the girl for their own gain. Travers explains the course of action once a girl’s location is discovered:

“Once we see the girl, we call law enforcement to come out. We set a perimeter and most of the time nobody even knows we’re there.” 

What Comes After the Rescue?

In most cases, SIA successfully locates girls before they become full-fledged victims of the sex industry. In other cases, we aren’t so lucky. Travers explains the difference between the two situations post-rescue:

“If we get the girl before the trafficker it’s a very short rehabilitation. If we don’t then it becomes a long, one to five years maybe more.” 

In other words, if a girl is rescued before being sold into the industry, her reentrance into regular life is a much easier process. Girls who are sold require much more lengthy and in depth rehabilitative services. Therefore, our services needed to prevent the worst case scenario from becoming a harsh reality. Most likely, rehab will be a life long process. #ChildSavedNotSold