Arkansas currently has 108 missing children under the age of 18 and 11 of these children have been missing for over 2 years. 

There is a significant association with missing children and children who are trafficked. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a child who has gone missing has alarming vulnerability and potential to be trafficked. An average of 1 in 6 runaways are likely victims of child sex trafficking. Missing children are without safe housing, protection from guardians and often do have resources to meet their basic needs.

Additionally, the emotional state of a runaway or missing child makes them more defenseless against traffickers because they may feel scared, lonely, or desperate for help. Children also will be most likely to accept assistance from strangers who could have dangerous motives because they are in unfamiliar territory and not used to providing for themself independently. 

Traffickers and predators who are trying to exploit missing children will often place themselves purposefully in highly populated areas frequented by travelers or runaways. It is important to report any signs of trafficking or distressed children at all times, but especially in locations like grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, malls, gas stations, truck stops, parks, rest areas, or public bathrooms.

Red flags potentially indicating trafficking or exploitation might look like this: 

-A child might seem afraid, timid or overly controlled by the adult with them. They may not make eye contact with anyone in the store and keep their distance, they may not talk or let the adult talk for them and wait for the adult to give them directions in the store.

-A child may seem uncomfortable, fearful or confused with the adult accompanying them. They may not immediately respond when the adult is talking to them like they would to a family member or someone they know.

-A child might appear physically malnourished, abused, hurt, has questionable hygiene or appears neglected. They might look like they have been wearing the same clothes for several days (or weeks), look like they haven’t showered or brushed their hair, they might be hungry or thirsty. 

You are a vital part of keeping children safe when you report these red flags and any other concerning signs of trafficking that you witness. To provide the Arkansas community with more tools to help trafficking victims, the Department of Public Safety launched a new webpage this year that provides anyone with the ability to submit a human trafficking tip. 

You can report human trafficking in Arkansas by emailing the Arkansas State Police Human Trafficking Council at ReportHT@arkansas.gov or visiting the new webpage to report human trafficking tips here: https://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/divisions/criminal-investigations/human-trafficking/submit-a-tip/

You can also contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 888-373-7888 or texting BEFREE to 233733.