Examining the link: Foster care runaway episodes and human trafficking
Children and youth who run from foster care placements are a growing concern among policymakers and practitioners. A large number of youth in foster care run away from their placement at least once, and many do multiple times. Running from care is associated with a range of serious negative consequences, including human trafficking victimization. In this brief, we first discuss the number of youth who run from foster care, factors that place youth at risk of running from care, and the evidence around running from care and sex trafficking victimization. Where applicable, we also review the evidence around running from care and labor trafficking. We conclude with a discussion of promising efforts to reduce runaway behavior.
