Fracture to Flourish | Aging Out: The Hidden Pipeline

Beyond Rescue: Reform, Hope & Choosing Joy

In Episode 4 of Fracture to Flourish, host Bryce Butler follows Priscilla Roman’s story to ask what happens after a rescue story ends.Priscilla doesn’t describe herself as “trafficked.” Her story is what it looks like when a former foster youth with almost no safety net steps into the strip club at twenty—and finds her body treated like a commodity. But this final episode widens the lens beyond one life.You’ll hear from survivor leaders, advocates, and policy voices working to close the gaps that let exploitation thrive: laws that stop criminalizing exploited kids, housing and stabilization that keep youth from being easy to access and re‑recruited, and practical reforms that help communities see foster care, homelessness, and trafficking as one connected pipeline.This episode is about moving from rescue to renewal—how people are reshaping systems so kids are not only removed from harm, but given real paths to healing, joy, and generational change.Content advisory: This episode includes frank discussion of abuse and exploitation involving children and families. Please take care as you listen.Guests + OrganizationsPriscilla Roman — survivor voiceLauren — first name only (privacy protected)John Richmond — Atlas Free (former U.S. Ambassador‑at‑Large)Jeremy Vallerand — Atlas Free (CEO + founder)Dani Pinter — NCOSEDr. Jeanne L. Allert — Institute for Survivor CareDr. Brook Parker Bello — survivor advocateTori Hope Petersen — former foster youth and advocateRachelle Starr — Scarlet HopeDr. Jennifer Jacobs — Connect Our KidsAshleigh Chapman — Engage Together / Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, and JusticeWes Lyons — Eagle Venture Fund and their Freedom FundPartnersAtlas Free (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Atlas Free, a global movement fighting sex trafficking. Atlas Free supports local organizations helping survivors find freedom and rebuild their futures, and works to stop traffickers where they operate. Learn more at atlasfree.org.Scarlet Hope (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Scarlet Hope, which has been showing up week after week with outreach and restoration for women who’ve been exploited in clubs, on the streets, and online. Learn more at scarlethope.org.Access Ventures (Series Partner): Fracture to Flourish is a production of Access Ventures, a catalyst for change working to build a flourishing society. Access Ventures leverages catalytic capital and partnerships to drive economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability in communities. Learn more at accessventures.org.ResourcesNational Human Trafficking Hotline (US): Call 1‑888‑373‑7888 or text BEFREE (233733)RAINN (sexual assault support): rainn.orgNational Runaway Safeline: 1‑800‑RUNAWAY (786‑2929) or 1800runaway.orgNAMI (mental health support): nami.orgData + sourcesYouth aging out (U.S. annual count)https://www.aecf.org/topics/youth-in-transitionTennessee youth aging out + outcomes (Belmont Innovation Labs / Every Child TN)https://belmont.edu/stories/articles/2024/innovation-labs-study-highlights-crisis-in-foster-care.htmlhttps://belmont.edu/stories/articles/2024/innovation-labs-study-highlights-crisis-in-foster-care.htmlFoster parent retention / attrition (context)https://archive.legmt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2021-2022/Children-Families/Studies/HJR-44/may2022-ncsl-paper-foster-parent-retention.pdfNote: This supports the magnitude of turnover and is not a first‑year‑only claimCredits"Fracture to Flourish" is a production of Access Ventures.Created, written, and hosted by Bryce Butler.Editing and production by Jacob Bozarth.Additional editing and production by Crystal Esquivel and Amelia Witts.Audio mixing by Pat Kicklighter.Cover art and design by Justin Esquivel.Marketing support by Amelia Witts and Madison Butler.

Designed to Fail: Lost in the System

In Episode 3 of Fracture to Flourish, host Bryce Butler follows a single composite case file to show how a foster care system not designed around children can leave youth invisible, unprotected, and easy to traffic.Instead of starting with a trafficker, this episode starts with the paper trail: routine notes, missed court dates, closed runaway reports, copy‑pasted case notes, and the quiet ways warnings can die in separate inboxes. Along the way, you’ll hear how placement instability, isolation, and unmet basic needs can create the space where exploitation takes root.You’ll also hear from people who have watched these patterns up close: survivor voices, practitioners working with schools and foster care systems, policy leaders, and advocates pushing for practical reforms like integrated data systems, specialized missing‑from‑care units, and multidisciplinary teams that keep information from staying siloed.Content advisory: This episode includes frank discussion of abuse and exploitation involving children and families. Please take care as you listen.Guests + OrganizationsCrystabella Ryder — Season 1 guestAshlee Lucas — The Tebow GroupDr. Jeanne L. Allert — Institute for Survivor CareJohn Richmond — Atlas Free (former U.S. Ambassador‑at‑Large)Ricky Lynn — law enforcement (KY)Ashleigh Chapman — Engage Together / Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, and JusticeDani Pinter — NCOSETori Hope PetersenPartnersAtlas Free (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Atlas Free, a global movement fighting sex trafficking. Atlas Free supports local organizations helping survivors find freedom and rebuild their futures, and works to stop traffickers where they operate. Learn more at atlasfree.org.Scarlet Hope (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Scarlet Hope, which has been showing up week after week with outreach and restoration for women who’ve been exploited in clubs, on the streets, and online. Learn more at scarlethope.org.Access Ventures (Series Partner): Fracture to Flourish is a production of Access Ventures, a catalyst for change working to build a flourishing society. Access Ventures leverages catalytic capital and partnerships to drive economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability in communities. Learn more at accessventures.org.ResourcesNational Human Trafficking Hotline (US): Call 1‑888‑373‑7888 or text BEFREE (233733)RAINN (sexual assault support): rainn.orgNational Runaway Safeline: 1‑800‑RUNAWAY (786‑2929) or 1800runaway.orgNAMI (mental health support): nami.orgData + sourcesMissing children context (NCMEC)Runaways are still missing and still in danger (2024): https://www.missingkids.org/blog/2025/theyre-missing-too-why-runaway-children-need-our-helpNCMEC 2024 totals: https://www.missingkids.org/ourwork/impactMissing from foster care context: https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/missingfromcareFamilial/caregiver trafficking (Dr. Jeanne Allert)Allert, Jeanne L. (2022). Domestic Minor Familial Sex Trafficking: A National Study of Prevalence, Characteristics, and Challenges across the Justice Process. Institute for Shelter Care. https://bcfstrafficking.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Familial-Trafficking-Study.pdfSummary: https://www.c7htc.org/familial-trafficking/Credits"Fracture to Flourish" is a production of Access Ventures.Created, written, and hosted by Bryce Butler.Editing and production by Jacob Bozarth.Additional editing and production by Crystal Esquivel and Amelia Witts.Audio mixing by Pat Kicklighter.Cover art and design by Justin Esquivel.Marketing support by Amelia Witts and Madison Butler.To listen to past episodes, check out fracturetoflourish.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you for listening!

Targeted: Grooming in Plain Sight

In Episode 2 of Season 2 of Fracture to Flourish, Bryce Butler follows the pattern that so often hides in plain sight: affirmation → dependency → control.We start in a bedroom, with a late‑night message that sounds like attention, not danger. Then we trace how traffickers use the same vulnerabilities foster youth carry—instability, isolation, unmet needs, and digital access—to turn “connection” into a business model.You’ll hear from law‑enforcement investigator Ricky Lynn, who describes how trafficking shows up in schools and online spaces. Researcher Dr. Jeanne L. Allert breaks down what trafficking legally is (and why minors in commercial sex are automatically victims under U.S. law). Former U.S. Ambassador‑at‑Large John Richmond explains how trafficking can happen without movement—through phones, payment apps, and live streams. Ashleigh Chapman outlines how online exploitation surged and how platform dynamics make this a high‑reward, low‑risk crime. Dani Pinter explains the “boyfriend model” of grooming, and Rachelle Starr (Scarlet Hope) describes how the “million‑dollar girl” line becomes leverage. We also follow parallel pathways through Lauren and Priscilla, showing how exploitation can begin with romance—or simply with survival.Content advisory: This episode includes frank discussion of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. Please listen in whatever way feels safest for you.Guests + OrganizationsRicky Lynn — law enforcement (KY)Dr. Jeanne L. Allert — Institute for Survivor CareJohn Richmond — Atlas Free (former U.S. Ambassador‑at‑Large)Ashleigh Chapman — Engage Together / Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, and JusticeDani Pinter — NCOSERachelle Starr — Scarlet HopeLauren — survivor voicePriscilla Roman — survivor voicePartnersAtlas Free (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Atlas Free, a global movement fighting sex trafficking. Atlas Free supports local organizations helping survivors find freedom and rebuild their futures, and works to stop traffickers where they operate. Learn more at atlasfree.org.Scarlet Hope (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Scarlet Hope, which has been showing up week after week with outreach and restoration for women who’ve been exploited in clubs, on the streets, and online. Learn more at scarlethope.org.Access Ventures (Series Partner): Fracture to Flourish is a production of Access Ventures, a catalyst for change working to build a flourishing society. Access Ventures leverages catalytic capital and partnerships to drive economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability in communities. Learn more at accessventures.org.ResourcesNational Human Trafficking Hotline (US): Call 1‑888‑373‑7888 or text BEFREE (233733)RAINN (sexual assault support): rainn.orgNational Runaway Safeline: 1‑800‑RUNAWAY (786‑2929) or 1800runaway.orgNAMI (mental health support): nami.orgData + sourcesPandemic-era surge in online child exploitation reportsReporting citing NCMEC describes a four-fold increase in reports during the pandemic.https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/25/us/child-abuse-online-coronavirus-pandemic-parents-investigations-trnd/index.html“High reward, low risk” framing (trafficking as a lucrative illicit business)https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/Webstories2023/tracking-illicit-financial-flows-linked-to-human-trafficking-and-migrant-smuggling.htmlKentucky AG lawsuit referenced in episode (Roblox)https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press Release Attachments/2025.10.06 - [FINAL] KY Roblox Complaint.pdfCredits"Fracture to Flourish" is a production of Access Ventures.Created, written, and hosted by Bryce Butler.Editing and production by Jacob Bozarth.Additional editing and production by Crystal Esquivel and Amelia Witts.Audio mixing by Pat Kicklighter.Cover art and design by Justin Esquivel.Marketing support by Amelia Witts and Madison Butler.

Nobody Noticed: The Making of a Target

In the Season 2 premiere of Fracture to Flourish, host Bryce Butler traces how trafficking risk is often built long before a trafficker appears.Through survivor testimony and expert insight, this episode follows the pathway that can start with abuse and instability at home, continue through placement moves and missed warning signs, and end with a young person searching for belonging in the wrong places.You’ll hear from Lauren about entering foster care after domestic violence. Researcher Dr. Jeanne L. Allert explains why childhood abuse and instability show up so consistently in trafficking patterns, including the difficult reality of familial and caregiver trafficking. Ashlee Lucas outlines warning signs that schools and communities can miss. Former U.S. Ambassador‑at‑Large John Richmond describes how foster care scaled as a crisis response without being designed around what children need, and why traffickers intentionally target youth who are isolated and unsupported. And Dr. Jennifer Jacobs (Connect Our Kids) names the prevention infrastructure underneath it all: safe, lasting relationships.Content advisory: This episode includes discussion of abuse and exploitation involving children and families. Please take care as you listen.Guests + OrganizationsDr. Jeanne L. Allert — Institute for Survivor CareLauren — first name only (privacy protected)Ashlee Lucas — The Tebow GroupJohn Richmond — Atlas Free (former U.S. Ambassador‑at‑Large)Dr. Jennifer Jacobs — Connect Our KidsTori Hope PetersenCrystabella Ryder — Season 1 guestPartnersAtlas Free (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Atlas Free, a global movement fighting sex trafficking. Atlas Free supports local organizations helping survivors find freedom and rebuild their futures, and works to stop traffickers where they operate. Learn more at atlasfree.org.Scarlet Hope (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Scarlet Hope, which has been showing up week after week with outreach and restoration for women who’ve been exploited in clubs, on the streets, and online. Learn more at scarlethope.org.Access Ventures (Series Partner): Fracture to Flourish is a production of Access Ventures, a catalyst for change working to build a flourishing society. Access Ventures leverages catalytic capital and partnerships to drive economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability in communities. Learn more at accessventures.org.ResourcesNational Human Trafficking Hotline (US): Call 1‑888‑373‑7888 or text BEFREE (233733)RAINN (sexual assault support): rainn.orgNational Runaway Safeline: 1‑800‑RUNAWAY (786‑2929) or 1800runaway.orgNAMI (mental health support): nami.orgData + sourcesPlacement stability (Children’s Bureau / CFSR metric)https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/sites/default/files/media_pdf/cfsr-data-placement-stability-cp-00007.pdfhttps://cwoutcomes.acf.hhs.gov/cwodatasite/sixOneLessThan12/index/Entry-to-care / removal circumstanceshttps://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/afcars-report-29.pdf https://acf.gov/cb/research-data-technology/statistics-research/afcarsFamilial/caregiver trafficking (Dr. Jeanne Allert)Coalition summary linking to the national study paper (via ResearchGate).Familial/caregiver trafficking (Dr. Jeanne Allert)Source: C7HTC write-up + study link https://www.c7htc.org/familial-trafficking/Credits"Fracture to Flourish" is a production of Access Ventures.Created, written, and hosted by Bryce Butler.Editing and production by Jacob Bozarth.Additional editing and production by Crystal Esquivel and Amelia Witts.Audio mixing by Pat Kicklighter.Cover art and design by Justin Esquivel.Marketing support by Amelia Witts and Madison Butler.To listen to past episodes, check out fracturetoflourish.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you for listening!

Fracture to Flourish Season 2: (Aging Out | The Hidden Pipeline) Foster Care to Human Trafficking

Fracture to Flourish examines systemic challenges affecting communities across the nation. Unveiling raw, honest stories of resilience, we illuminate the journeys that transform fracture into flourishing—revealing what becomes possible when systems truly serve the people they’re meant to protect.Season Two: Aging Out: The Hidden Pipeline investigates how foster care instability, isolation, and unmet needs can create a pathway to exploitation, and what it takes to interrupt that pathway before harm becomes a life sentence.Across four episodes, host Bryce Butler follows the pattern from multiple angles: the early warning signs that get missed, grooming that hides in plain sight, system breakdowns that let kids disappear, and the reforms and relationships that make prevention real.Through intimate survivor stories and candid insight from advocates, practitioners, and policy leaders, this season asks a hard question with urgent stakes: What would it look like to build a system designed around children—so fewer are ever within reach of traffickers?Season 2 overview- Episode 1 — Nobody Noticed: The Making of a Target- Episode 2 — Targeted: Grooming in Plain Sight- Episode 3 — Designed to Fail: Lost in the System- Episode 4 — Beyond Rescue: Reform, Hope & Choosing Joy Guests + Organizations (Season 2)- Lauren — survivor voice- Priscilla Roman — survivor voice- Dr. Jeanne L. Allert — Institute for Survivor Care- John Richmond — Atlas Free (former U.S. Ambassador‑at‑Large)- Jeremy Vallerand — Atlas Free (CEO + founder)- Ricky Lynn — law enforcement (KY)- Ashlee Lucas — The Tebow Group- Dr. Jennifer Jacobs — Connect Our Kids- Ashleigh Chapman — Engage Together / Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, and Justice- Dani Pinter — NCOSE- Rachelle Starr — Scarlet Hope- Wes Lyons — Eagle Venture Fund- Christabella Ryder — Season 1 guest- Dr. Brook Parker Bello — survivor advocate- Tori Hope Petersen — former foster youth and advocatePartners:Atlas Free (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Atlas Free, a global movement fighting sex trafficking. Atlas Free supports local organizations helping survivors find freedom and rebuild their futures, and works to stop traffickers where they operate. Learn more at http://atlasfree.orgScarlet Hope (Season Partner): This season is made possible in part by our partners at Scarlet Hope, which has been showing up week after week with outreach and restoration for women who’ve been exploited in clubs, on the streets, and online. Learn more at http://scarlethope.orgAccess Ventures (Series Partner): Fracture to Flourish is a production of Access Ventures, a catalyst for change working to build a flourishing society. Access Ventures leverages catalytic capital and partnerships to drive economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability in communities. Learn more at http://accessventures.orgResourcesNational Human Trafficking Hotline (US): Call 1‑888‑373‑7888 or text BEFREE (233733)RAINN (sexual assault support): http://rainn.orgNational Runaway Safeline: 1‑800‑RUNAWAY (786‑2929) or http://1800runaway.orgNAMI (mental health support): http://nami.org Credits:- "Fracture to Flourish" is a production of http://accessventures.org.- Created, written, and hosted by Bryce Butler.- Editing and production by Jacob Bozarth.- Additional editing and production by Crystal Esquivel and Amelia Witts.- Audio mixing by Pat Kicklighter.- Cover art and design by Justin Esquivel.- Marketing support by Amelia Witts and Madison Butler.- To listen to past episodes, check out http://fracturetoflourish.com.