When we started Evan's Voice, Protect and Advocate became our guiding pillars. As we share Evan's story, the response has been overwhelmingly supportive. We will continue to share to extend Evan's legacy to protect others.
How do we advocate for kids and families? By pushing for change that protects all kids? Read below to find out more.
Evan's Voice Act
Signed into law by Governor Kehoe on April 7, 2026
Creates grooming and sextortion as a crime
Allows local law enforcement to charge these actions as criminal
Allows local law enforcement to subpoena additional information since it is a crime
Holds criminals accountable and can be a deterrent. It keeps people from perpetual repetition of criminal behavior.
Supports victims
Historic Global Action Taken to Combat Child Sextortion
We are encouraged to share that the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) adopted by consensus the landmark resolution, "Preventing and Combating Transnational Sexual Extortion ("Sextortion") of Children." Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the resolution was developed through collaboration among participating countries during the 35th session of the CCPCJ in Vienna, Austria. Experts from the U.S. Department of Justice's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) played an important role in advising on the issue and helping shape the final resolution. This is a historic milestone. For the first time, the international community has formally recognized transnational child sextortion as a serious global threat requiring coordinated international action to prevent these crimes, support victims, prosecute offenders, and strengthen cooperation among nations. During the U.S. statement following the resolution's adoption, delegates were reminded that this issue is about more than statistics. The names of American children whose lives were lost as a result of sextortion were read aloud: Bradyn, Caleb, Evan, James, Jordan, Riley, Ryan, Timothy, and Walker. These children matter. Their lives, their stories, and their legacies are driving meaningful change around the world. Through the courage of their families and the lessons learned from their tragic losses, they are helping shape stronger protections for children everywhere. Their legacies are paving the way for greater awareness, stronger prevention efforts, enhanced international cooperation, improved laws, more effective investigations, and better support for victims. Because of them, children, families, schools, and communities around the world are becoming better equipped to recognize, prevent, and respond to online sextortion. Their impact will help protect future generations. This global action sends a powerful message: the world is united in confronting child sextortion and is committed to protecting children from online exploitation. Thank you to the U.S. Department of State, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for giving a voice to our children, championing this critical issue on the world stage, and helping secure this historic resolution. Your leadership and unwavering commitment are helping create a safer future for children, families, and communities around the globe.
Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed House Bill 2537, known as Caleb’s Law, which expands and strengthens Kansas law to better combat sexual extortion and protect victims.
The Vulnerable Youth Advisory Board is a multidisciplinary, grassroots advisory group focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable youth in Missouri. Through ongoing discussion of policy gaps, the board supports legislative efforts aimed at protecting children and promoting their overall safety and well-being.
The Vulnerable Youth Advisory Board was developed in Summer 2025 under the direction of Missouri Senator Jill Carter.
The work of the advisory board led to draft legislation on two key components: 1) Grooming and 2) Sextortion.
More information to come on the Vulnerable Youth Advisory Board.
Governor Kehoe signs bill into law
April 7, 2026: Governor Kehoe signs HB 2273 into law, which includes the Evan's Voice Act.
Missouri Bills targeting online extortion and child grooming head to Governor's desk
Missouri lawmakers hear testimony on bills targeting child grooming
January 13, 2026: Missouri lawmakers held a key hearing on two bills designed to protect children from online predators and grooming.
Missouri Senate committee to hear testimony on Evan’s Voice Act addressing sextortion
January 19, 2026: A Missouri State Senate committee is set to hear testimony this week regarding the Evan’s Voice Act, legislation addressing sextortion that honors Aurora teen Evan Boettler, who died by suicide after online extortion.
Sen. Jill Carter Hosts a News Conference
January 21, 2026: Senator Jill Carter, R-Granby, hosts a news conference to talk about Senate Bill 893 and other similar measures.
