Reinforcing Safeguards: Longstanding U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Unchain Our Children Partnership Advances Child Protection in South Africa

In April, Unchain Our Children (UOC) was invited by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to deliver a joint presentation on child exploitation prevention to parents, children, and teachers at the American International School in Pretoria. The event highlighted the power of international collaboration in combating the rising threat of child exploitation both locally and globally.

The day began with a morning session for parents, followed by targeted presentations to learners in Grades 4 to 8. Amy Arnold, UOC’s specialist Counter-Human Trafficking Operative, Investigator, and Trainer, delivered a compelling address on recognizing grooming tactics, sextortion, online safety risks, child molestation, trafficking, and broader exploitation methods. Drawing on her 14 years of experience as a police officer in the United States (Nashville, Tennessee), Amy brings exceptional investigative expertise, operational insight, and a profound understanding of trafficking dynamics to her role. Her law enforcement background enables her to deliver highly practical, real-world training that equips communities, educators, and law enforcement with effective tools to combat exploitation.

This collaboration builds on a longstanding relationship between DHS and UOC spanning several years. The partnership highlights the United States Department of Homeland Security’s strong appreciation for UOC’s expertise and on-the-ground impact. Mr. Johan Claassen, a highly regarded DHS investigator with deep specialist knowledge, has played a pivotal role in strengthening this cooperation, reinforcing shared intelligence, training, and prevention strategies.

Unchain Our Children brings a decade of dedicated service to the safety and protection of children. Through consistent community education, crisis intervention, and advocacy, UOC has positioned itself as a vital force in South Africa’s fight against child exploitation. For DHS, partnering with such a committed local organization amplifies reach and effectiveness in vulnerable communities.

Both organizations place the prevention of these heinous crimes at the top of their priorities. Joint initiatives like this maximize impact by combining international resources, investigative expertise, and local implementation to better shield vulnerable children and empower families and educators with actionable knowledge.

Such high-level partnerships demonstrate how strategic cooperation between global agencies and dedicated civil society organizations can create meaningful, lasting change. By educating parents, teachers, and children directly, the program fosters safer school environments and more vigilant communities equipped to prevent exploitation before it occurs.

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Book an UOC information/training session: Call Wayne on 072 364 8246

Report Child Exploitation & Trafficking: Call the UOC National Crisis Centre on 067 323 7116