This part of an Aimee Fuller interview features an introduction explaining what a “missing child” used to mean and how that has changed today. Joseph Travers, co-founder of Saved In America is on the show and explains how the dynamic has changed. The interview begins with a look back on childhood disappearances and the beginning of the milk carton kids that we all remember from childhood. Today, the human trafficking industry is booming and the risk to young children is much greater than it was in years past. We aren’t just talking about isolated killers or kidnappers here. Instead, these are well-connected and coordinated drug cartels partnering with pimps and other criminals to first gain the trust of kids and then coerce them into the human trafficking industry. 

It’s Not Like “Taken”

The Liam Neeson movie “Taken” paints the picture of a single predator or group of criminals who snatch or take a child from their home or out on the street. This is very similar to how crimes against children led to the photos of kids on milk cartons decades ago. Today, it’s not like this. Instead, these predators are much more subtle. They know that if they were to approach a child and snatch them away, that would bring a rapid and intense reaction from all law enforcement. Therefore, they instead convince the child to come to them through the process of grooming. This is when the criminal causes the child to trust them as if they were a true friend. Once that trust is built, the child will often run away on their own, and this is how modern-day human trafficking happens. 

Saved In America is Fighting Back

Thankfully, Saved In America is made up of a group of highly trained and specialized volunteers who have a background in either the military or law enforcement (or both). They all work diligently, not charging a dime, to track down and find these missing kids who are caught up in the trafficking ring. Then, they work in conjunction with parents and law enforcement to ensure these kids are recovered and returned to their families. They also ensure the children get the help they need to recover from their trauma and are protected throughout the healing process.  #ChildSavedNotSold