California’s Forgotten Children
California's Forgotten Children is an award-winning PBS feature documentary that follows a diverse group of resilient survivors who have overcome commercial sexual exploitation of children and are changing the world by ensuring no child is forgotten. This film gives viewers the tools to combat this epidemic and empowers survivors on their path to freedom. Featuring stories from leaders in the movement such as Time 100 Most Influential People Withelma "T" Ortiz Walker Pettigrew, attorney Carissa Phelps, academic scholar Dr. Minh Dang, activist Leah Albright-Byrd, therapist Nikolaos Al-Khadra, and educator Rachel Thomas, M. Ed. The film supports the stories of survivors with current statistics and perspectives of sexual exploitation from professionals in social services, law enforcement, advocates, and child welfare.
The film follows powerful and eye-opening stories that illuminate the tragic reality of child sex trafficking within the United States, focusing on the state of California as a significant hotspot for this criminal industry. The documentary vividly depicts the journeys of young girls and boys through the dark and unforgiving world of exploitation. Some fell through the cracks of the foster care system, broken homes, and abusive families force fully kidnapped, while some lived perfect stable lives, but were coerced into following fake promises. Despite the gut-wrenching exposure of their experiences, the survivors' stories also reveal resilience and hope, as they rise to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, and leaders in the fight against child trafficking.
Through the heartfelt narratives of these brave survivors and the invaluable insights shared by experts and advocates, California's Forgotten Children urges viewers to take collective action to prevent human trafficking, support survivors, and stand passionately for the protection of human rights.
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“The impact of California’s Forgotten Children documentary was tremendous! Students went home and told their families about the film and what they had learned. Parents reached out and wanted to view the film as well and learn more. The impact has been remarkable. The students and teachers now know more about trafficking, but also know who to reach out if they identify a survivor.”
“California’s Forgotten Children is a great tool to both open a conversation and dialogue on human trafficking as well as to create a more in-depth dialogue on how to strategically combat this horrific crime.”
“The film helped them understand more about the women they see in our community, that they are real people. It is important for our society to know what is happening. I think all educators should have to watch this. I highly recommend it.”
“California’s Forgotten Children tells its stories from brave women and men who were once victims and the heroes who risk their lives and reputations to rescue, help and rehabilitate.”
“This is by far the best documentary about human trafficking that I have ever viewed. California is a neighboring state, and many of our local survivors have identified that they have been trafficked in locations depicted by the film.”
“California’s Forgotten Children is a poignant documentary resource that intimately explores the triumphs of survivors, activists, and law enforcement in the fight against commercial sexual exploitation; it is a compelling narrative that not only informs but deeply resonates, offering a concise yet impactful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering commitment to justice.”
AWARDS
directors STATEMENT
Lived Experience Expert T Ortiz Walker Pettigrew, Director Melody Miller, Crisis Specialist Christopher Watson.
As a teenager, I watched a documentary about child trafficking that changed my life. Shocked that this crisis was happening not only abroad but in my own community, I began volunteering with organizations supporting sexually exploited youth in Oakland. Though I was not allowed to meet the survivors directly, I dedicated time to fundraising, collecting supplies, wrapping gifts, and supporting the movement however I could.
Years later, I asked advocates what they needed most, and the answer was clear: awareness and education. Using my skills as a filmmaker, I set out to create a documentary that could help communities better understand and combat child sex trafficking. With no money, no car, and fresh out of UCLA, I worked alongside survivor leaders, organizations across California, and friends who believed in the mission to make California’s Forgotten Children on a shoestring budget.
The film grew into more than a documentary, it became a tool for change. It has aired on PBS, screened at the United State of Women Summit and the United States Senate, and been used by schools, community organizations, crisis centers, police departments, hotels, and even tech companies to train staff and support prevention efforts. Alongside the film, we developed trauma-informed educational materials and an ambassador program creating opportunities for survivor leaders.
And that is where you come in. Your voice, your influence, and your encouragement can make all the difference. By advocating to end child trafficking, sharing our film and hosting a screening of it in your community, bringing it to your schools, you can help magnify our impact.
Director Melody Miller, Lawyer Carrisa Phelps, Educator Rachel Thomas, Phycologist Nicolas Al Kahdra, Meta Cyber Security Cynthia Ayala, and Meta Phycologist Chris Harrison.
