Suffolk County officials on Thursday unveiled a new multiagency, coordinated approach to find missing children and curb what they say is an "epidemic" of human trafficking in the county. The initiative,

Suffolk County, with a population larger than Manhattan, is also one of the worst in the country for human trafficking.

An annual operation targeting human trafficking rescued 11 minors from possible exploiters and resulted in 547 arrests statewide, including more than 230 in Los Angeles County, authorities announced this week.

Suffolk officials describe human trafficking in the county as an epidemic, and child welfare experts say it's an issue that affects entire communities. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

Operation Safe and Lasting Return' would not only create new protocols to combat human trafficking, but also provide resources for children and families.

Suffolk County officials announced Thursday a new anti-human-trafficking initiative they say will improve communication and coordination between law enforcement and other groups after a child is reported missing.