161: Kelli Houghton on Keeping Kids Safe & Stopping Sex Trafficking

Today’s topic is hard to talk about but super important. Kelli Houghton is a social worker and manager of a non-profit group called Operation Underground Railroad, an organization doing incredible work rescuing and advocating for children who are victims of sex trafficking.

As a mom this issue hits home hard, and I’m so grateful Kelli is here to share what we can do to take action against this horrifying practice.

Operation Underground Railroad: Why Slavery Isn’t a Thing of the Past

Kidnapping and sexual trafficking are huge fears for many parents. It can be paralyzing even. We wonder… what are the actual statistics? Can I let my child play outside? Ride a bike to the park? Go into a store alone?

Kelli shares what Operation Underground Railroad is doing to rescue children all over the globe. She also gives some actionable, practical ways to keep our kids safe while still letting them have a full and active life.

In This Episode You’ll Learn

• how many children are trafficked each year
• strategies that traffickers use to target kids
• the addictive effects of pornography, and what it has to do with trafficking
• the most risky place for sex trafficking (it isn’t where you think)
• practical steps to keep kids safe
• what to be aware of on social media
• what Operation Underground Railroad (and others) are doing to rescue kids, and how you can help

Resources We Mention

• Operation Underground Railroad
• Fight the New Drug
• FREE: Signs of Trafficking Online Training Course
• Human Trafficking Is a Public Health Issue (textbook Kelli mentions)
• Human Trafficking Center Hotline — 888-373-7888 (add to your contacts!)

More From Wellness Mama

• 119: Cyber Security Tips to Keep Your Family Safer Online
• 225: How a New SafetyPin Technology Can Keep Your Family Safer
• Overprotected Childhood: How Keeping Kids Safe is Actually Harming Them

What questions do you have for Kelli? Let me know in a comment below, or leave a review on iTunes. I read each and every one, and my guests often do too and might answer your questions!