Unaccompanied and at-risk youth are uniquely vulnerable to exploitation, including human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, yet prevention strategies often overlook the intersection of trauma, systemic inequities, and social marginalization. This presentation draws from Fonda’s extensive frontline experience with marginalized youth ages 9–20 in high-risk communities to offer innovative, trauma-informed strategies that protect and empower. Participants will explore how mentoring, community-based programming, and culturally responsive interventions can mitigate risk factors while strengthening resilience, mental health, and self-efficacy. The session will showcase the Open Arms Transformation Living (OATL) model, a proven framework that integrates empowerment, safe relationship education, and access to essential resources to reduce vulnerability. The OATL model has demonstrated measurable impact, with 71% of youth reporting improved self-esteem after workshops, 100% receiving resource access, and nearly half coming from Toledo, Ohio’s highest risk zip codes. Through interactive discussion and real-world case examples, attendees will gain actionable tools to identify at-risk youth, implement preventative strategies, and foster supportive environments in schools, community programs, and social service settings. By combining evidence-based practices, research insights, and lived experience, this session emphasizes that effective prevention is holistic: it engages youth as active participants in their own protection, addresses systemic biases, and equips professionals to intervene proactively. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, measurable approaches, and deeper understanding of the structural and social factors that elevate risk for exploitation. This session is essential for educators, social workers, advocates, and community leaders seeking to create safer, more resilient pathways for youth and break cycles of trauma and exploitation.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Fonda Royster is an experienced social worker and nonprofit leader specializing in at-risk youth programming. She has over a decade of experience preventing teen dating violence and human exploitation, providing trauma-informed mentorship, and designing culturally responsive interventions that empower marginalized youth to build resilience, mental health, and safe futures.