Katherine Jones is an Author, adult survivor of child abuse, former foster youth and advocate for the abused, current/former foster youth and animals. She is a member of the National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (NAASCA) www.naasca.org, Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA), is on the Advisory Committee of the National Schoolhouse for Theatre Arts (for foster youth), and is the Former Assistant Director of Foster Leaders, a networking organization that helps foster youth aging out of the system with resources, mentors and other opportunities that aid them in their pursuit of success. She has received numerous awards for her foster care advocacy work. What does foster care has to do with the human trafficking problem?

In her home state of CA, approximately 80% of trafficked youth come from foster care. Similar statistics are true for other states. This population is one of the most vulnerable for traffickers, as many foster youth age out of the system (their checks stop the minute they turn 18 from the State) and are often thrown out into the streets to fend for themselves with no family, no support and no basic life skills. As a result, many end up homeless, in gangs, incarcerated or trafficked. It is her goal to advocate better outcomes for foster youth and others vulnerable to human trafficking.