Vision
We envision a world where survivors of human trafficking are empowered to live their lives with hope, dignity, and justice.
Mission
We support and empower children and adults impacted by human trafficking by disrupting cycles of abuse and confronting exploitation through strategic partnerships and trauma-responsive education, advocacy, and systems of care.
The History of Saving Innocence
Raids Rescue 52 Youth
A 2009 headline, “Raids Rescue 52 Youth,” referred to the kids, as young as 10 years old, as child prostitutes. 2009 was also the year that the FBI listed Los Angeles as one of the top 13 child sex trafficking areas in the nation and one of the top three in California. This paved the way for Kim Biddle to begin work in the sector.
If not me, then who?
In response to the overwhelming need and general misunderstanding of the crimes being committed against children, Kim recognizes, “If not me, then who? And if not now, then when?” This leads to the creation of Saving Innocence.
The STAR Court
Saving Innocence is the only nonprofit contracted by the Los Angeles Superior Court to be a part of the launch of the first Juvenile Court in the U.S. for child victims of sex trafficking, named the STAR Court, which stands for Succeeding Through Achievement and Resilience. Saving Innocence Saving Innocence serves 24 kids.
Los Angeles County First Responder Protocol
Saving Innocence pilots the Los Angeles County First Responder Protocol, where we respond to calls within 90 minutes alongside social workers and probation officers. Saving Innocence serves 80 kids.
Word on the Street groups in Juvenile Hall
Saving Innocence begins Word on the Street groups in Juvenile Hall, facilitated by advocates and survivor advocates. Dream Court, the child welfare version of STAR Court, begins hearing cases, and Saving Innocence supports the district attorney and clients in two massive trials, one resulting in the trafficker being sentenced to 281 years. The First Responder Protocol (FRP) is rolled out to all Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department stations. Senate Bill 1322 passes, meaning that children are no longer arrested for prostitution. Saving Innocence serves 173 kids.
Partnering with Texas
Saving Innocence starts working with the Texas Governor’s Office, supporting their efforts to use Saving Innocence’s model throughout Texas. Sixteen of our children graduate high school, and we help 24 testify against their traffickers. Saving Innocence serves 324 kids.
Survivor Leadership Academy for Youth (SLAY)
The First Responder Protocol (FRP) is rolled out to all LAPD divisions. We train Dallas CASA supervisors and an advocacy agency in Arkansas and consult with organizations in Hawaii and Maryland. It’s our first year of the Survivor Leadership Academy for Youth (SLAY). We serve 509 kids and have 35 high school graduates.
Department of Children and Family Services
We start a new contract with the Department of Children and Family Services, and the intervention curriculum is piloted in Juvenile Hall facilities. We serve 558 kids and have 25 high school graduates.
Online Advocacy Course
Saving Innocence launches our online advocacy course and a Foster Family Agency. We serve 401 kids.
Co-lead Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force
Saving Innocence was selected to co-lead the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (LARHTTF) and function as the victim service provider.
Contracted with Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services
Our Foster Family Agency became contracted with the Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services as regular FFA and, more specifically, Intensive Services Foster Care/CSEC services.
Capital Campaign
Saving Innocence continues to support and advocate for children and adults impacted by human trafficking and begins a capital campaign for our own facility to be used for client services and staff needs.