Katy Families Navigating Human Trafficking Crisis Get Support from New Childproof America Programs

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

March 3, 2021

By Natalie Cook Clark

Katy-based nonprofit, Childproof America launched a Family Guides Program and National Support Line this week. Both aim to support and aid local families and help them navigate the pathways associated with human trafficking exploitation and recovery.

Local mom Kelly Litvak founded the Childproof America and serves as its executive director. Litvak was inspired to help others after her family was impacted by human trafficking in 2016, right here in Katy.

Read more about Childproof America and the Litvaks' journey to help victims of human trafficking.

Katy Nonprofit Strives to Safeguard Families Against Sex Trafficking

Childproof America focuses on safeguarding families against sex trafficking. Both the new Family Guides Program and the National Support Line hope to provide even more help to families going through this crisis.

New Family Guides Program

The Family Guides Program will match families two family guide volunteers. These fully vetted and trained volunteers will be their “point of contact” to help navigate human trafficking and recovery.

“The concept was inspired by Kelly (Litvak) and what she experienced,” says Angela Maskevich, Family Guides Program Director. “A trained family guide can help ease the stress of crisis by helping navigate the different paths necessary for recovery and healing of their child and the family.”

To qualify for services:

• Child or young adult through age 21

• Missing with a clear concern of sexual exploitation

• Live in area of service (Katy, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Memorial)

• Filed a police report with a case number

To contact the Family Guides Program, call 1-833-5-INTAKE (1-833-546-8253) or visit their website.

The Family Guides Program is launching phase one, reaching Katy, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Memorial. They hope to launch phase 2 in 2022 and expand their reach to help more families.

National Human Trafficking Family Support Line

The new support line is a national service.

“A family from anywhere in the U.S. can reach out for support, resources or become empowered by gaining a better understanding of human trafficking and exploitation,” says Maskevich.

The National Human Trafficking Family Support Line is operated by trained family guides who address questions on grooming, human trafficking tactics, online and social media exploitation, law enforcement direction as well as provide helpful resources.

The trained volunteers also offer emotional support to families seeking crisis resolution.

The Support Line at 1-833-CP-GUIDE (1-833-274-8433) is monitored Monday to Friday, 8a.m.-8p.m. Calls made after hours will be returned the following business day.

Get Involved

There are five ways Katy residents can help this cause.

• Family Guide - work directly with families

• Meal Teams

• Grocery Pickup

• Care Package Team

• National Hotline

Learn more at their website.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Texas ranks second in the nation for human trafficking cases. California comes in ahead.

Human trafficking groups have been investigated and arrested in Fort Bend County and Harris County.

Learn more about Childproof America at their website. Kelly Litvak was honored by Katy Magazine in 2017.

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