Is it really safe to reunite kids rescued from slavery?

Our team on the ground never sends a child back unless we’re convinced it’s safe.

Typically, parents are tricked with false promises or coerced with debt. In a recent conversation with one of our partners, she said, “most parents aren’t bad, they are just desperately poor.” Posing as agents recruiting for work in the big city or in rock quarries. Families allow their kids to go to pay a debt because they are promised the kids will be brought back, but the agents never bring the kids back.

Once rescued, we begin the process of doing research. Then our local pastors and volunteers interview families, neighbors, and local leaders to verify everything. That means extensive interviews—how this child ended up in such a bad situation, what their home life was like?

The child’s voice matters. Their preferences are heard. Just because we find a family that doesn’t make it grounds for reunion. Some families aren’t capable of providing a safe environment.

And after reunification, the team stays involved: weekly calls, monthly visits, and ongoing support through the local church.

If a situation ever becomes unsafe, the child is brought back into care—often in a local pastor’s home, where the relationship with the family can still continue.

We believe family reunification isn’t only the best place for a child, but the best place for any child is with their family because kids heal better in that environment.