For too many young people, foster care and human trafficking are not separate issues. They are part of the same story.

Many young people in foster care deal with constant moves, broken connections, and not always having a steady adult in their corner. Those situations can make it easier for traffickers to target them. Over and over, research and real-life stories show that young people with foster care experience are more at risk of exploitation.

For some, that exploitation happened through sites like Backpage.com or CityXGuide.com. These websites were used for years to profit from the abuse of vulnerable people, including young people who had been in foster care.

If this is part of your story, you are not alone. And you do not have to figure this out by yourself.

The U.S. Department of Justice has set aside about $200 million taken from these sites to compensate survivors. To receive that compensation, you have to submit an application. The paperwork can feel confusing, time-sensitive, and overwhelming, especially if you are doing it on your own.

That is why the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) created the Backpage Survivor Remission Network. Through this program, survivors can get connected with a lawyer for free to help them through the process.

Here is how it works:

• You learn about the process through NCMEC’s resources.
• You fill out a short form asking for help.
• NCMEC connects you with a free lawyer.
• The lawyer walks you through the steps and helps you submit your application.

These lawyers are trained to work with survivors in a respectful and supportive way. The goal is to make sure you have someone on your side while you go through the process.

Important deadlines:

• February 20, 2026: Last day to request help from a free attorney through NCMEC by noon.
• March 31, 2026: Final deadline to submit the compensation application.

It is a good idea to reach out as soon as possible so there is enough time to get matched with a lawyer and complete everything.
If you are a young adult who experienced trafficking connected to these sites, this could be a chance to receive support and compensation. You deserve help. You deserve someone in your corner.

To learn more or ask for help, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children through the Backpage Survivor Remission Network.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing trafficking, you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline which can be called at 1-888-373-7888, texted at 233733 or contacted via chat here.

You do not have to carry this alone. Help is available.