Calling Attention to Child Exploitation During a Crisis (Part Two)

In part two of this blog installment, we’ll discuss the protection of children during natural disasters. As discussed in part one, destabilizing events and chaos leave children particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Abusers and traffickers manipulate interruptions in infrastructure during and after these events. Taking preventative measures can significantly reduce these threats.

Protecting Children During a Crisis (Part 2)

1.     Partnership with Law Enforcement and NGOs 

   - Priority Action: Relief organizations can establish partnerships with law enforcement, anti-trafficking groups, and child advocacy organizations to quickly respond to any signs of abuse or exploitation. Joint efforts will increase the monitoring of at-risk children and track down potential offenders.

   - Start Here: Collaborate with organizations; the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) will assist in identifying vulnerable children and preventing exploitation during crises.

2.     Mandatory Background Checks for Aid Workers and Volunteers

   - Priority Action: Relief organizations and shelters must perform thorough background checks on volunteers, staff, and caregivers who work with children. Establishing safeguarding policies will help screen potential predators posing as aid workers.

   - Start Here: Organizations can utilize background checks and access national databases to ensure volunteers do not have a criminal history related to child abuse.

3.     Family Reunification and Tracking Systems

   - Priority Action: Establish strong family reunification systems in shelters and evacuation centers. Technology, such as child tracking software and digital bracelets, can help keep track of children and prevent them from becoming separated.

   - Start Here:

·      Contact the Red Cross for resources and support to locate separated families during emergencies.

·      Use social media tools like Facebook's "marked safe" feature to communicate and find missing persons.

·      Check with emergency shelters and hospitals for information on displaced individuals.

·      The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), offers an Unaccompanied Minors Registry service.

·      Before a disaster, create a family emergency plan with communication methods and meeting points to aid reunification.

4.     Child-Friendly Spaces and Designated Caregivers

   - Priority Action: Relief agencies and communities can set up child-friendly spaces within shelters and evacuation centers. Inquire about secure areas where trained and vetted professionals care for and supervise children.

   - Start Here: After a hurricane, UNICEF and similar organizations often set up designated zones where children can play and receive emotional support while staying safe.

5.     Emergency Alert Systems and Communication

   - Priority Action: Use technology-based emergency alert systems to help parents and children stay connected. GPS-enabled devices can allow parents to track their children’s whereabouts in real-time, reducing the risk of abduction or separation.

   - Start Here: Apps like Life360 allow family members to share their locations and send emergency alerts if they are in danger or separated. When using location apps only share your location with trusted people. Also, regularly review app permissions to ensure only necessary apps have access, and turn off location services when not in use.

6.     Training Children and Caregivers on Safety

   - Priority Action: Educate children about the potential dangers during a crisis, teach them to recognize and avoid suspicious individuals, both online and offline. Caregivers and volunteers must also be trained to detect signs of exploitation or grooming. 

   - Start Here: Common Sense Media and other digital safety courses and platforms can provide tools and resources to educate children and families on staying safe online and in public settings.

Conclusion:

Children are particularly at risk of exploitation during times of natural disaster and crisis, due to displacement, loss of supervision, and increased online activity. To protect children, relief organizations, families, and communities must implement a combination of prevention strategies. The strategies include teaching and practicing awareness, commitment to keep children safe, leveraging enhanced monitoring technology, reunification and online safety measures. Background checks for volunteers and creating secure, child-friendly spaces are also critical. Ensuring children's safety takes awareness and proactive measures.