Youth Human Trafficking Survivor Support Services

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Human trafficking is happening in Nebraska—and young people are especially vulnerable.

Youth Emergency Services (YES) offers Youth Human Trafficking Survivor Support Services to help identify, support, and walk alongside young survivors as they begin taking steps to rebuild their lives. Through education, outreach, and direct services, we work with community partners across the Omaha metro to ensure young people experiencing trafficking, and/or abuse, or exploitation can access safety, resources, and compassionate support.

Every young person deserves the chance to move forward with dignity, stability, and hope—and we are here to help make that possible.

Get Services & Find Support

Together, we are providing survivors ages 16-25 with:

  • Food, clothing, and toiletries

  • Crisis counseling and emotional support

  • Housing support

  • Education and employment support

  • Transportation

  • Medical referrals

  • Immigration and legal service referrals

  • Case management

  • Wellness programming

If You Need Help…

If you or someone you know may be experiencing human trafficking or exploitation, help is available.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Additional support resources include:

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Recognizing Possible Signs of Trafficking

Human trafficking can be difficult to recognize, but understanding common indicators can help communities identify and support those who may be experiencing exploitation. Possible indicators may include:

  • Disconnection from friends, family, school/community/spiritual organizations

  • Frequent absence from school

  • Sudden or drastic changes in behavior or personality

  • Developmentally inappropriate sexualized behavior

  • Signs of abuse such as injuries, fearfulness, disorientation, or significant weight loss

  • Loss of independence or control over personal decisions

  • Unstable or unsafe living conditions

  • Lack of personal possessions


Note: Not all indicators listed above are present in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.

Is someone I know at risk?

Community Risk Factors

  • Lack of:

    - Resources
    - Knowledge of trafficking

  • “Underfunded”

    - Schools
    - Neighborhoods
    - Communities

Relationship Risk Factors

  • Family Conflict

  • Lack of:

    - Supportive adult
    - Supervision
    - Financial stability

  • System Involvement

    - Delinquency
    - CPS

  • Any History of Abuse

  • Witnessing or Surviving Domestic Violence

Individual Risk Factors

  • Substance Misuse

  • Homeless or unstable housing

  • In Foster Care

  • Developmental Delays

  • Member of underserved populations

Supporting Survivors

If someone shares that they may be experiencing trafficking or exploitation, the most important first step is listening with compassion.

  • Believe what is being shared and focus on building trust.

  • Be patient—trauma can make it difficult to share experiences all at once.

  • Avoid judgment or assumptions.

  • Help connect individuals with professionals who can support their safety and immediate needs.

Everyone deserves to be heard, supported, and treated with dignity.

References
Blue Campaign | Homeland Security. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2026). https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign

Recognizing the signs. National Human Trafficking Hotline. (2026). https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking/recognizing-signs