Human trafficking and child welfare

There are a number of individual and situational factors that increase the risk of trafficking. Traffickers often target people who experience marginalization and who are in vulnerable positions. These include:

• Individuals who have limited capacity to assess risk (for example, due to mental health issues, disabilities, their developmental age, etc.)
• Individuals who are emotionally fragile, feeling isolated and alone, and/or who are seeking love, approval, or belonging
• Individuals who lack family or other support networks
• Individuals who may be more susceptible to false promises of improved circumstances (for example, because of poverty and material need)

These individuals are targeted by traffickers as they are perceived as being easier to manipulate and control.