Age Groups at Highest Risk of Grooming
Every year, a significant number of youth run away from home or foster care. These runaways face increased risks of being trafficked for sex or labor. The FBI identifies runaway children as prime targets for traffickers, who troll streets and online spaces to manipulate vulnerable youth. Data shows:
Key Data
- 1 in 6 endangered runaways were likely victims of child sex trafficking.
- 19% of children missing from foster care showed signs of being trafficked.
- Most child sex trafficking cases involve girls who initially ran away from home or care.
Key Insights
- Early intervention can reduce runaway incidents.
- Traffickers primarily target vulnerable youth online.
- Robust support systems are critical to prevent exploitation.