Nov 19 (Wed) from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm EST: Understanding Running Behavior and Preventing Revictimization Teams Registration Link: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/632e0f2b-a460- 4161-84ab-864b5b7ad932@32f56fc7-5f81-4e22-a95b-15da66513bef

Nov 19 (Wednesday) from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm EST: Understanding Running Behavior and Preventing Revictimization

• Brittany Butler, MA, Resource Specialist, Child Sex Trafficking Recovery Services Team (RST), National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

In 2024, 1 out of 7 missing children reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children who had run away were likely victims of child sex trafficking. Many of these cases involved children missing from the care of child welfare. This presentation will provide a deep dive into the reasons why youth may run away or leave home or a foster care placement, including “push” and “pull” factors, and the increased vulnerability to child sex trafficking that missing youth experience. This session will cover practical lessons learned in developing proactive recovery and response plans focused on increasing rapport, youth engagement, and strategies to understand and reduce running behavior for missing children who are being sex trafficked. These considerations in planning and early engagement can create an environment during recovery that shows survivors that professionals are concerned about their well-being. Attendees will also learn about resources available through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that can assist parents, child welfare professionals, and other MDTs members with this effort. Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the push/pull factors that may cause a child to run away or leave their home or placement

2. Demonstrate trauma-informed and victim-centered recovery and response considerations for survivors of child sex trafficking

3. Recall NCMEC resources that can assist with locating, recovering, and supporting child sex trafficking survivors