Good morning and welcome to Moment of Hope.
Imagine for a moment that the child you tucked into bed last night, the child who walks to school each morning, the teenager laughing with friends online, could be targeted by someone whose sole intention is to exploit them. It is an uncomfortable thought. Many of us believe child trafficking only happens in distant countries, in movies, or to children from broken homes. But the truth is far more sobering. Traffickers do not simply steal children; they groom them, they build trust, they exploit vulnerabilities. They manipulate dreams, loneliness, curiosity and even the desire to belong.
Today we are shining a light on the issue that thrives in secrecy, but can be prevented through awareness, vigilance and faith. Joining us is Mrs Dawn Smith, an Associate Forensic Psychologist and a Trauma Specialist with extensive experience in child protection and safeguarding vulnerable children.
Dr Margarett Barnett is a Vice President of Jamaica Theological Seminary. She has spent over 20 years working in private and nonprofit organisations that provide services to young people and their families.
