Orange County parents can learn how to keep their children safe from sexual exploitation and human trafficking at a hybrid workshop this week.
The workshop, labeled Know More, Do Better for Parents and Caregivers, will cover the signs of a child being groomed, how to talk to children about body safety and healthy relationships, and when to get help from professionals.
“As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children from harm, and that effort extends to the digital realm,” said Jyothi Atluri, Division Director, Children & Family Services for County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA). “Having experts who regularly work with those affected by human trafficking together in one room brings a wealth of knowledge for parents and those caring for children.”
The event, from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025, will include the following speakers:
- Linh Tran, Supervisor, Waymakers and Task Force Administrator, Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF)
- Lisa Delamater, Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Coordinator, SSA
- Ruthi Hanchett, Adjunct Professor teaching human trafficking prevention courses at Vanguard University and coach for Live2Free and Safe Communities, Safe Kids Program
- Kendra Tankersley-Davis, MS, Vice President of Development and Community Relations at Crittenton Services for Children and Families, Adjunct Professor teaching Human Trafficking 101, Survivors Aftercare and CSEC at Vanguard University, and an instructor for Safe Kids, Safe Communities Program
“To properly address human trafficking, caregivers need to understand the tactics that perpetrators use and, just as importantly, how to communicate effectively with their children and teens about the people they interact with — both online and in person. Anyone can fall victim to trafficking, and disturbingly, perpetrators often hide in plain sight,” said Michelle Heater, Program Director with Waymakers, which co-chairs OCHTTF with the Anaheim Police Department.
Several groups, including SSA, OCHTTF, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, OC Probation, Waymakers, Crittenton Services for Children and Families, and Vanguard University will host resource tables with more information for parents and caregivers.
Saddleback Church, Anaheim Campus, 2095 E. Katella Ave., is providing the space for in-person attendance and refreshments. The workshop will be offered in English and Spanish.
The workshop is being put on by SSA, OCHTTF, Global Center for Women & Justice at Vanguard University, and the Orange County Department of Education.
To attend in-person or online, RSVP in English or Spanish.
Due to the sensitive topics presented, it is not recommended for children to attend as the content and discussion are formatted for parent and adult learning.
