Childhood sexual abuse, trauma, under-education, lack of financial means and the objectification of girls – these issues intersect and are driving an epidemic of exploitation and trafficking of minors in our country. POETIC was created to bring affected youth equitable and comprehensive support under one roof so they can heal, be empowered and persist forward.

The Truth

An estimated 19,000 girls are sold for sex in North Texas every year.
19,000
The average age girls become victims of sex trafficking is 13 years.
13 Yrs
The average life expectancy for a victim of sex trafficking is 7 years.
7 Yrs
70-90% of sex trafficking victims were sexually abused as children.
70-90%

Who We Help

Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

Assessing, advocating and supporting pre- and post-adjudicated youth in partnership with the Dallas County Juvenile Department

Youth in the Child Protective Services System

Preventing, identifying and supporting youth with a history of childhood trauma vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking

Our Response

1

Trauma Therapy

Every POETIC girl is paired with a licensed therapist trained in trauma and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and a clinical case worker. They participate in individual, group therapy and multi-family DBT therapy with their parents or guardians – all at no cost. Our support team is available 24/7.

2

Creative Arts Studio

Through art therapy, POETIC girls have the opportunity to explore their emotions and express themselves through creative mediums. This immersion in creativity builds self-identity, self-value and self-love.

3

Design Co.

A lack of financial means is the No. 1 lure back into a life of exploitation. POETIC Design Co. empowers girls to find their unique career paths through paid internships, job opportunities and financial literacy courses, helping them to develop the skills to make informed decisions for the future.

4

POETIC School for Girls

The teachers in our on-site homeschool provide individualized education for girls to earn a high school diploma or GED. For those attending public school, POETIC provides educational advocacy to ensure their needs are properly assessed and accommodations are provided.

5

Clinical Case Management and Advocacy

Our clinical case managers offer guidance in applying for government IDs, enrolling in health insurance, accessing medical professionals, creating a resume and learning job interview skills. We also provide court advocacy and mentorship so youth can move forward to an empowered future.

Our Impact

Our longitudinal research shows that

  • 71.5% of POETIC youth have a history of substance use
  • 51.4% have a history of self-harm and/or suicidal gestures
  • 50% have a history of psychiatric hospitalization

Research indicates that having 4 or more (out of 10) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) leads to negative health outcomes and can reduce your life expectancy by 20 years. 

  • 92% of POETIC girls have 4 or more Adverse Childhood Experiences 
  • 88% have 6 or more

Nationally, girls with a history of sexual abuse are 5 times more likely to go back into the juvenile justice system. 

  • 95% of POETIC girls do not go back

Instead, they are supported in our Trauma Therapy Center, completing their education and building a career path that aligns with their unique skills and interests.  

Of those enrolled in our Design Co. (paid internship at POETIC), 100% opened up a bank account and decreased debt, while 60% increased their savings.  

Our model, rooted in evidence-based therapy that directly addresses emotion regulation, self-harm and suicide, shows that girls at POETIC are building a life beyond surviving. They are building a life worth living.

Join Our Cause

National Human Trafficking Hotline

SMS: 233733 (Text “HELP” or “INFO”)