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 has just been awarded state funds to combat human trafficking. The Trump administration evicted former Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan from her home with three hours of notice on Tuesday. The Trump White House press secretary's gaffe prompted two words to trend online.

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.

In Richmond, the focus has largely been on curbing sex work along 24th Street by increasing lighting, considering traffic calming measures and deploying quarterly human trafficking operations.

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.