What Prevention Experts Know About Protecting the Children in Your Life | S2 E2: Stephanie Jones

Human trafficking doesn’t start with chains… it starts with vulnerability.

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Steph Jones, Head of Prevention & Education at A21, to talk about what actually prevents trafficking before it begins.

From understanding real risk factors to protecting children through awareness, education, and early intervention, this episode equips parents, mentors, educators, and leaders with practical insight that saves lives.

During Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we explore why prevention matters, common misconceptions about trafficking, and how everyday people can protect the children in their lives, long before exploitation ever starts.

What human trafficking really looks like
How prevention and education protect children
Practical steps families and communities can take today

One empowered life can change another.

Allies in Youth Development and A21 are collaborating to bring these prevention tools directly into mentoring programs, equipping trusted adults and young people with the resources they need to stay safe before exploitation ever begins.


We’ve linked free prevention resources in the show notes so you can take action right now.
A21 Student Digital Safety Guide - @18PhirX8I8N-LkwQr266-4kMkfixMAlrv/view
A21 Safe Employment Guide -
@1-93c_fHmbLuvdt_k2hgvsKnytULF-U-F/view
A21 Safe Relationship Guide -
@1ikPyGr8B2vXZc5P_M0dRHUXgIMkUmfkW/view


What You’ll Hear In This Episode

00:00 – Why human trafficking is a global crisis hiding in plain sight
03:10 – What human trafficking really looks like today (and why it’s often misunderstood)
06:40 – How traffickers target vulnerability, and why children are most at risk
13:30 – Grooming, deception, and false job offers explained
17:05 – Online dangers every parent and mentor must understand
20:45 – Why prevention works when children know their rights and adults know what to look for
28:30 – How communities, mentors, and schools can protect children before exploitation begins
32:15 – The power of trusted adults, mentoring relationships, and organizations like Allies in Youth Development in reducing vulnerability
36:40 – Why collaboration matters: how Allies in Youth Development and A21 work together to equip mentors and communities with prevention tools
40:00 – What every listener can do right now to protect children and strengthen prevention through mentoring, awareness, and action


📌 Follow & Connect

🔗 Allies in Youth Development
Website: @
Instagram: @alliesyouth
Facebook: @Allies in Youth Development
YouTube: @alliesinyouthdevelopment248

🎙️ The Empowered Life Podcast
Instagram: @empoweredlifepodcast
Facebook: @Empowered Life Podcast
YouTube: @EmpoweredLifePodcast
LinkTree: @EmpoweredLifePod

🔔 Be sure to subscribe, like, and share to help spread awareness and protect the vulnerable.

🙏 If this episode stirred something in you, remember:
Awareness is the first step. Action is the next.

#empoweredlife #podcast #faithandpurpose #humantraffickingawareness #prevention #childprotection #a21 #faithinaction #justice #protectthevulnerable #testimony