Missing | At-Risk | Anti-Trafficking
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.
Specialized Youth Services
Collaborating to Support Vulnerable Youth
Project Harmony collaborates with the Douglas County Attorney’s Office, the Juvenile Assessment Center and the Omaha Police Department’s Child Victim Sexual Assault Unit to respond to missing juveniles who are not system involved and to assist the Omaha Police Department with its significant caseload of youth at high risk of child sex trafficking.
These youth are especially vulnerable to sexual exploitation, sex trafficking and other forms of victimization. That’s why Project Harmony has established a triage system to identify, assess, treat and coordinate services for missing youth.
We primarily serve children age 12 and older identified by the Omaha Police Division as missing and without current DHHS Child Welfare or Juvenile Justice involvement. Resources are also available for younger adults as capacity allows.
How We Help
We work closely with law enforcement to identify youth who could benefit from connection with an advocate or specialist. Our specialists build trust with young people, help meet their immediate needs and provide ongoing support while connecting them with services and resources. We also coordinate community providers and facilitate a multidisciplinary response for youth identified through the program.
Youth may be brought to Project Harmony for:
– Mental and behavioral health assessment
– Medical examination
– Forensic interview, when appropriate
– Family advocacy
– Crisis counseling for youth and caregivers
– Connection to community resources and services
When needed, a multidisciplinary team reviews each case with providers, DHHS, law enforcement, the Juvenile County Attorney, and other professionals to support information sharing, coordinated treatment planning and identification of service gaps.
We aim to support investigations that hold traffickers accountable while ensuring youth and families receive the services needed to heal from the trauma of trafficking.
Learn the Signs
Child sex trafficking hides in plain sight across all types of communities. Learning to recognize the warning signs can save lives.
Some indicators include:
– Large amounts of cash, prepaid cards, hotel keys, or multiple cell phones
– A child’s identification being held by another person or having no identification
– Signs the child has been coached, allows others to speak for them, or looks to others before answering questions
– Tattoos indicating money or ownership, such as dollar signs or barcodes
– Evidence the child has been living out of a suitcase, in motels, or in a vehicle
For a complete list of indicators, visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Make a Report
If you are concerned about a missing youth in Nebraska, report the youth missing to your local law enforcement agency.
Reports can also be made to the Child Abuse Hotline:
– Nebraska: 1-800-652-1999
– Iowa: 1-800-362-2178
If you suspect human trafficking, contact the Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline at 833-757-5665 (833-PLS-LOOK). The hotline is available 24 hours a day. Tips may be submitted anonymously and are directed to local investigators through the Nebraska Information Analysis Center.
Resources
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
You are part of the solution.
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.
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