The Issue
It is estimated that between
100,000 and 300,000 children
are at risk of being trafficked for sex in the U.S. each year.
Challenges in Data Collection:
The hidden nature of trafficking, especially involving very young children, makes it difficult to obtain accurate statistics. Many cases go unreported, and victims are often hidden from authorities. As a result, estimates vary widely, and the true extent of the issue is likely higher than reported figures suggest. One thing we know is…
In recent years, America has begun to awaken to the painful reality of child sex trafficking—not just as a global issue but as a crisis occurring within our own borders. This growing criminal industry devastates the lives of thousands of children across the United States.
When children are recovered from trafficking, they are physically removed from harm, but the deep pain and trauma they have endured remain. Without therapeutic intervention, these emotional wounds hinder their ability to heal and rebuild their lives. Residential therapeutic programs for this demographic are scarce, and those that do exist only serve adolescent girls, leaving children under 10 and boys with minimal access to the specialized, long-term care they desperately need. As a result, many of these vulnerable children end up in foster care, juvenile hall, or other systems that are ill-equipped to address their complex emotional and psychological needs. This glaring gap highlights the urgent need for safe, therapeutic environments designed to help trafficked children heal, recover, and thrive.
Trafficked children face immense challenges in rebuilding their lives. Many grapple with untreated trauma, often resorting to substance abuse or other harmful behaviors as coping mechanisms. Without proper guidance and support, some become entangled in the justice system, while others remain at risk of being trafficked again, trapped in cycles of exploitation. The lack of a safe, nurturing environment limits their opportunities for healing and growth, leaving them caught in patterns of instability and hardship.
Life with the help of Cedar Refuge will be a journey of healing, transformation and restoration. Children who come to us will find a safe and nurturing environment where they can begin to recover from the trauma of sex trafficking. Through therapeutic care, education, and life skills training, they will be empowered to rediscover their true worth and envision a brighter future. Surrounded by compassionate staff, a supportive community, and opportunities to experience the joys of childhood, they will learn to trust, hope, and thrive again. At Cedar Refuge, every child will be given the tools and support needed to rebuild their lives and step confidently into a future filled with possibility and hope.
Imagine a place where children can play outside, ride horses, and learn life skills, all while healing from the trauma they have endured. A sanctuary where they experience true love and care, with no expectations or broken trust in return. Here, they are given the space to rediscover joy, rebuild their confidence, and find the peace they deserve. This is a place where healing happens, surrounded by nature, support, and unwavering trust.
Join us in making this refuge a reality for children trafficked here in America.
