EMPOWER is a community-oriented program certified by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. It provides high-quality residential care to youth eligible for foster care placement who are at risk of, or have experienced, sex trafficking and exploitation. The program is gender-neutral and serves youth ages 11-21. Common factors among participants include mental health challenges, a history of abuse or neglect, instances of absconding from home or placement, unhealthy relationships with peers and adults, unsafe online behaviors, and experiences with teen dating violence. The EMPOWER program is trauma-responsive, focusing on the treatment, recovery, and healing of each youth.