Frequently Asked Questions

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Our fight is 4-fold. 

RESPOND: Through a well-coordinated response we will swiftly address cases of human trafficking, providing immediate assistance to victims. Every 34 seconds another becomes a victim of human trafficking. Our response is critical and timely. 

RESCUE: Rescue efforts will involve collaborative actions to extract individuals from trafficking situations, ensuring their safety and well-being.

RESTORE: The focus then shifts to the restoration of survivors, offering comprehensive support and resources to aid in their physical, emotional, and psychological healing.

REVIVE: The LifeGuard Group seeks to revive survivors by empowering them to rebuild their lives, fostering independence and helping them reintegrate into a healthy community. 

Our main need is to help staff the Montana Human Trafficking Hotline which can be done at home from your cell phone. 

In addition, there are occasional opportunities to do work days at Crooked Tree Ranch. 

Finally, we are always in need of private fundraisers created by our donors (you!), however you see fit. 

To learn more about any of these, emil us at info@thelifeguardgroup.org.

You can request a specific outlet for your donation.  Our key categories are: Outreach, Crooked Tree Ranch (our safehouse), or Educational media).

For a private fundraiser contact Tami Hochhalter Tami@thelifeguardgroup.org.

For a training event for professionals, community members or churches, please contact us at learn@thelifeguardgroup.org

Protecting children from human trafficking is of utmost importance, and parents play a crucial role in safeguarding their kids from this heinous crime. 

Communication is key; maintain open and honest dialogue with your children, discussing the risks associated with trafficking and the importance of personal safety. Build a 'Technology Plan of Action" that you can implement with your entire family. Give your kids input into the plan and how it can be used to create a more stress free environment for the whole family. Monitoring their online activities and ensuring they understand the potential dangers of interacting with strangers on the internet can also help prevent exploitation. Teach your kids about appropriate boundaries, recognizing warning signs, and building their self-esteem can empower them to protect themselves. Being aware of their children's friends and acquaintances, as well as the places they visit, is essential to detect any unusual behavior or signs of vulnerability. Moreover, educating themselves about trafficking trends and reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement can contribute to combating this grave issue. By nurturing a supportive and trusting relationship, parents can create a safe environment that strengthens their children's resilience and safeguards them from falling victim to human trafficking.

Human trafficking is happening all over the world and the United States is no exception. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states (NCMEC, 2022).

The National Human Trafficking Hotline, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and operated by Polaris, a Washington, D.C.-based nongovernmental organization, reported that in 2021, 10,359 situations of human trafficking were reported to the hotline, involving 16,554 individual victims. As shocking as these numbers are, these reports are very likely only a fraction of the actual problem (Polaris, 2021).

We have online classes available to anyone, anywhere. In addition, The LifeGuard Group team members train nationally: law enforcement, medical professionals, educators (and staff), hospitality and delivery workers, parents and community members. We are based in Montana, but have worked both nationally and internationally in collaboration with other groups. 

This is where and when The LifeGuard team really jumps into action.  Each case is different, depending on the needs of each person.  For some, medical attention is necessary.  For others, safety is the number one priority.  The short answer would probably best be, "Whatever is most needed in the moment."  89% of victims have indicated that the reason they did not leave the life of exploitation earlier was because they did not feel like there was anywhere else to go. Each case is different, so we treat each individual according to their needs in that moment. 

 There are so many ways that you can help.  If you, as an individual want to help, email search@thelifeguardgroup.org to be put on our call list.  If you are part of a larger group, church, organization, or business and would like to form a Quick Response Team [QRT] in your community, let us know by emailing us at info@thelifeguardgroup.org.  The LifeGuard Response team would train and equip you to be the "first call for help," if a child goes missing in your area.  

The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 49.6 million victims of human trafficking globally, with hundreds of thousands in the United States. 

Absolutely! Visit www.crookedtreeranch.com to fill out a volunteer application. 

The LifeLine Project focuses on empowering, equipping and enabling students to be "THE HERO" in the lives of their friends. It gives a real world view of what human trafficking looks like and how they can recognize and respond. If you are interested in bringing this to your school, simply email info@thelifeline.us. The LifeLine is so much more than just an assembly. It is truly an event that encompasses training for the entire staff as well as the community.