Nebraska:
1 (800) 652-1999
Iowa:
1 (800) 362-2178
(402) 595-1326
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
After hours by appointment only
Child sex trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purposes of a commercial sex act (defined as anything of value, including basic needs such as food, a place to sleep, etc.) in which the victim is under 18 years of age.
The very idea of child sex trafficking is horrific and disturbing. We must acknowledge that this issue is here in our community, and it’s our responsibility to the victims to help stop it and prevent it from happening again.
In 2025, 2,600 missing children reports were filed in Omaha. Many of these missing children are at risk for being victims of child sex trafficking. This issue is widely underreported on a national scale, so it’s likely that more children than we know are in these situations.
Child sex trafficking can happen where you least expect it — most of these youth are exploited by an abuser they know and trust. Look out for these signs from children:
– Receiving unusual, extra attention from an adult
– Being gifted items from an adult, and something is expected in return
– Experiencing characteristics of unhealthy relationships with an adult: control, hostility, dishonesty, dependence, intimidation and violence
– Feeling isolated from friends because of an adult
The signs of child sex trafficking can be hard to see from the outside, which is why it’s important to have a conversation when you suspect something is wrong. Ask children if they are okay, if something happened to them or if someone is pressuring them.
This is the step that can be intimidating for adults. How are we supposed to ask what’s happening if we don’t know what to do when we hear the answer?
All you need to do is start the conversation, listen and create a safe, nonjudgemental space for the child. Ensure they know you are a safe adult who wants to help.
If you suspect a child is being trafficked for sex, or if they have disclosed to you an abusive situation, you are a mandatory reporter and are expected to report abuse. To start the process, call:
Nebraska: 1-800-652-1999 (Child Abuse Hotline) or local law enforcement
Iowa: 1-800-362-2178 (Child Abuse Hotline) or local law enforcement
Many half-truths surround the issue of child sex trafficking. These are the facts:
– Child sex trafficking happens every day in our community. It’s not just happening around big events, it’s also occurring in neighborhoods all across our city.
– It’s still considered child sex trafficking even when the child is not transferred from one place to another. If a minor is induced to perform a sex act, it is legally considered trafficking regardless of whether force, fraud or coercion were involved. This is a crime.
– Child sex trafficking often happens with an adult that the child knows. Abductions by strangers are rare exceptions. The majority of victims are exploited by someone they know and trust.
Working alongside law enforcement and community partners, Project Harmony’s Specialized Youth Services identify, assess and support youth who are missing, at risk of exploitation or experiencing trafficking.
Our goal is to connect young people and their families with the services, advocacy and resources they need to promote safety, healing and long-term stability.
Learn more about these services.
The following organizations and initiatives are trusted resources and allies in our fight against child sex trafficking.
Share that you’re taking a stand against child sex trafficking in Omaha. Download our social media toolkit for graphics and messaging.
Child sex trafficking is a serious and prevalent issue in the Omaha metro area. The harsh reality is that children are being exploited and sexually abused here in our community every day. This crime can be prevented.
Omaha Against Traffick, an awareness campaign Project Harmony launched in July 2026, aims to bring attention to the organization’s anti-child sex trafficking efforts. That work includes a nationally leading partnership between Project Harmony and more than 60 local and regional organizations that together will work to combat child sex trafficking in all its forms.
Project Harmony also encourages all adults in our community to take a stand against child sex trafficking. Using the visual metaphor of blue traffic cones, the international color of anti-trafficking, we symbolize the collective efforts of shielding potential victims and demonstrate our power to end this significantly devastating issue.
We wish to thank you for your hospitality and the wonderful program and tour of Project Harmony. We are so fortunate to have an organization acting on the behalf of our children with such outstanding enthusiasm and dedication.
- Rotary Club of Omaha Northwest
Thank you so much for coming to Children’s and speaking to our staff. Your talk on “Understanding Poverty” was excellent, and I could see “wheels turning” as some staff members commented on simple ways their interactions might make a difference for children and parents.
- Patty Carrell, CMSW
I have felt that my input has been highly valued and respected when it comes to doing my job, and that is something that speaks volumes to the working environment here at Project Harmony.
- Brenda Jewell
We began collaborating with the Project Harmony through their Connections program last year, and we’ve continued the partnership. Connections represents an extremely valuable partnership and an opportunity to provide our students with a bridge to mental health services.
- Papillion La Vista Community Schools
Our experience and partnership with Project Harmony/Connections has been fantastic! It is a comfort knowing we have a partner who can connect our students and families with the appropriate resources in times of crisis or trauma.
- Millard Public Schools
This shadowing experience actually made me very interested in this field. One aspect that helped me narrow my choice of careers is the environment that Project Harmony had. It was very upbeat, cheerful and bright.
- UNMC High School Alliance Program – Student Journal
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Project Harmony for planning and delivering professional development to our 70 counselors, social workers and community counselors. We feel fortunate to have such a valuable resource in our community to partner with.
- Millard Public Schools
You have a top rate program – really national quality. I’m totally impressed.
- Lisa Fontes
At our last D2 Center Board meeting, I was describing the training and professional development we provide for our staff. At the top of the list was Project Harmony. Please know that you are providing an invaluable service to nonprofits in our community.
- Greg Emmel
Congratulations on the great media coverage of your Stewards class at Project Harmony on WOWT. You did a great job articulating the importance of prevention, and Susan was amazing too. Thank you so much for your partnership and all the important work you are doing.
- Cindy McElhinney – Darkness to Light
Just wanted to know that you made a difference in my life, and I will be using that momentum to make a difference in the lives of others. You are truly a rock star and a role model for me. Thank you for a new life I’m getting the chance to live.
- Anonymous
Many children through my caseload have received a backpack generously donated to the Project Harmony Triage Center. I have witnessed many faces light up when given the opportunity to pick out a new backpack, and I am very grateful for the generosity of the Junior League.
- DHHS – Children & Family Services
I have never felt as valued at other organizations like I do at Project Harmony. I really feel that the culture of a working environment is incredibly important. If an employee feels respected, valued and supported, that person will likely give more to fulfill the mission.
- Javier Castellote
Nick and Javier were great teachers and role players. It gave us an opportunity to see how someone in that situation would have reacted to our questions. They did a great job at showing us the difference between sympathy and empathy.
- Anonymous
I was able to shadow Mr. Nick Zadina. He was in charge of dealing with abused kids and help them. I am thankful to know all the information I learned during shadowing because it was eye opening.
- UNMC High School Alliance Program – Student Journal
The experience at Project Harmony was a deepening reminder of empathy that will be vital in my career as a nurse. I felt my perspective was widened on how others think, especially when discussing the assumptions we make.
- Anonymous
I didn’t know how many people work at Project Harmony, so I drew a lot to show how much Project Harmony means to me!
- Project Harmony Client
As difficult as a removal is on a child, the backpack they receive at Project Harmony provides a sense of belonging and hope. It truly is amazing something that seems so simple can change the perspective and shine light on these children.
- DHHS – Children & Family Services
Great leadership for a wonderful cause with outstanding long-term goals. Keep on doing all the good you do.
- Bill & Jean O’Conner
Project Harmony is the reason I started my journey in college. I just finished my associates and I'm going for my bachelors now in Child Protection and Juvenile Justice. Y'all helped my daughter back in early 2013 and I knew what I wanted to do with my life — help children.
- LaLa Ann
A young lady who works in our field told me that she loved what we do here at Project Harmony — she had been to Project Harmony seven years ago for a forensic interview. She said her positive experience was the biggest reason she is doing the work that she is today.
- Trainee
I found out that my foster son is going to have a forensic interview here at Project Harmony soon. It’s been interesting being on the other side of things and feeling so reassured that the child I care so deeply about is in very caring and capable hands.
- Jessica Kroeker
Nick demonstrated how one person could impact a huge group of student nurses by just attending his presentation. He gave me the reason, the courage to act, and the knowledge how to save victims that I will face in my future nursing career.
- Anonymous
I recently attended the Testifying Training course. Since that class I have been subpoenaed three times, and I had to testify at each hearing. Without this class I would have been less than prepared and too nervous to be credible. Thank you so much!
- Jenny Lewis
The cycle of abuse does not have to continue, but we can’t end it alone. Anyone has the power to be someone who makes our community a safe place for all children.
