All of America’s children deserve safety and protection, yet runaway and homeless children and youth are at high risk of human trafficking. Traffickers target homeless children and youth because they are low risk and easy to control.

Because of vulnerability and inadequate support, homeless and runaway children and youth are susceptible to human trafficking, often being forced into exploitative labor or sex to receive basic necessities.

Legislation like the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022 (RHYTPA) (H.R. 8498/S. 4916) would improve prevention efforts, raise visibility, and provide life-saving services for these vulnerable children and youth. We are calling on you to introduce then pass the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act now.