Logo
About Us
We exist to rescue children from sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.  

O.U.R. Vision

We lead the fight against child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation around the globe. Our work has no boundaries- we go to the darkest corners of the world to assist law enforcement in rescuing children and ensure ongoing aftercare. We provide critical resources to law enforcement and preventative efforts that benefit at-risk children worldwide.

Our resolve never falters, and we will faithfully persevere until every child is safe. 

O.U.R. Action plan

Operation Underground Railroad is leading the fight against sex trafficking and sexual exploitation with four bold strategies.   
International Operations
The O.U.R. International Operations team consists of highly experienced and extensively trained former law enforcement personnel, intelligence experts, U.S. diplomats, and military officers who are on the ground doing active investigations in countries across the globe.  
yellow arrow
Domestic Law Enforcement relations
In the United States, we fight to protect children in our own backyard by developing relationships with law enforcement agencies and offering resources to expand and amplify their anti-human trafficking and exploitation efforts.
yellow arrow
Aftercare
The O.U.R. Aftercare Team coordinates with the O.U.R. Operations Team to ensure that vetted aftercare services are in place prior to operations. We utilize best practices, trauma-informed care, and provide person-centered services when working with survivors.
yellow arrow
Children Need Families
Children Need Families (CNF) is a preventative project of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) committed to adoption initiatives that benefit at-risk children across the globe.
yellow arrow
Leading the Fight
Tim Ballard spent more than a decade working as a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security, where he was assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and deployed as an undercover operative for the U.S. Child Sex Tourism Jump Team.

He has worked in that role and since in every type of case in the fight to dismantle child trafficking rings. He’s worked in the United States and in multiple foreign countries to infiltrate child trafficking organizations. He has successfully dismantled dozens of these organizations and rescued children from slavery and exploitation.

While working for the government, Ballard saw how much more is needed in the fight against child trafficking and exploitation across the world. In 2013, he and a team of former government operatives left the security of their careers to accomplish the work of rescuing children as a private foundation - Operation Underground Railroad. At O.U.R., Tim has created a team that can work in any jurisdiction and in conjunction with law enforcement to rescue children directly. That team exists today and operates all over the world.
TIM BALLARD, Founder
Former Special Operative Homeland Security
Join the fight
When we committed to this fight in 2013, we never imagined the amount of support we would receive from those determined to make a difference alongside us- shining their own light on the issue of child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. For that, we will never give up fighting and will continue to go to the darkest places until this crime no longer exists. Thank you for continuing to be the light that we take into the darkness.  
Donate Now