WASHINGTON, D. C. – Attorney General Karl A. Racine today lauded the efforts of the District’s Working Group on Missing and Runaway Youth, which issued recommendations on extending services to youth, establishing a coordinated government response to cases involving missing children, and creating a safe place for kids to go in a crisis.

“Protecting the District’s children is among our top priorities at the Office of the Attorney General. We were glad to be a part of the working group, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate to implement these recommendations,” said Attorney General Racine. “Our kids should never be in situations where they feel unsafe, and we must come together to disrupt and prevent the violence and trauma that afflict our most vulnerable young people.”

Deputy Attorney General Erin Cullen, who leads the Child and Family Services Division of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), served on the task force.

OAG encounters children at risk of running away or becoming victims of human trafficking through our role as the District’s juvenile prosecutors and as lawyers for the city’s child-welfare system. OAG staff members participate in a citywide task force to identify potential cases of human trafficking and connect at-risk children with proper services and supports.

Last year, Attorney General Racine launched an OAG Human Trafficking Initiative focused on helping to identify and address current cases of human trafficking among minors and educate children and the public to prevent future cases. For more information on OAG’s initiative, visit our website.

Attorney General Racine also recently outlined additional steps the District can take to help at-risk youth, including implementing programs to interrupt violence and making investments in programs that support parents and create safe home environments as well as those that provide therapeutic early interventions for kids. More details can be found in his op-ed, here.