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,

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.

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.

As News 12 first reported, the program will create a new system of sharing information about missing or trafficked children and provide resources for affected families.