ND HOPE Project developing education program to stop child exploitation before it starts

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - The North Dakota HOPE Project is launching a statewide program to stop child exploitation before it starts.

In 2025, a number of high-profile child abuse cases put a spotlight on child exploitation, from Ray Holmberg to Jeffrey Epstein and to the former director of the North Dakota Game and Fish.

Six local organizations—including the 31:8 Project, Central Dakota Forensic Nurse Examiners, Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota, North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition, Families Flourish ND and Youthworks—united to focus on ending child exploitation in the state.

Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota Executive Director Greg Kasowksi got emotional talking about the victims.

“There is no room for child exploitation in North Dakota. No room,” said Kasowski.

According to the HOPE Project, one in 10 children in the state is sexually abused before turning 18.

To recovering abuse victims, like Nikki Blowers, who was trafficked to California, this coalition gives them a support system.

“It also gives me hope that my fellow brothers and sisters out there will be able to find their voice and come forward, and if they can’t find their voice, then we can be their voice,” said Blowers.

Spearheaded by the 31:8 Project and Youthworks, HOPE Project members are developing a human trafficking education curriculum for sixth, 10th, and 12th graders across the North Dakota public school system, beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

“When you look at the average age in which someone is targeted in these situations, it’s around 12 to 14,” said Stacy Schaffer, founder and executive director of the 31:8 Project.

Youthworks Director Mark Heinert said our “North Dakota Nice” mentality gets in the way of action, and that we need to speak up.

“That’s our challenge to everyone in this state, is to stop turning a blind eye. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, say something about it. Call it out,” said Heinert.

Heinert recommends confronting those you know and reporting those you don’t.

Former director of the North Dakota Game and Fish, Terry Steinwand, has pleaded not guilty after prosecutors charged him with a sex crime.

In 2025, the Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota served over 3,000 children suspected of being abused.

The HOPE Project offers free forensic screening for potential abuse victims. A free webinar series for parents will start on Jan. 16.