IUSB discusses what our community should know about human trafficking

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Indiana University school of social work collaborated with local non-profits to host a workshop for the community and professionals to raise awareness and seek accurate information to protect the children in the community and combat issues like child abuse and human trafficking.

The workshop is ideal for those seeking accurate information to those who are wanting to be a part of a community that protects children.

Social work professionals seeking education credits were able to gain 2 CEUs and 2 CYC-Professionalism credits, making it an important opportunity for social workers, child advocates, law enforcement, and others needing an annual certification to attend.

The Indiana University school of social work introduced panelists from local non-profits such as: Bashor’s Children Home, The Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance program (ITVAP), and Children and Children and Parent services (CAPS) that are dedicated to offering actionable strategies to combat the issue.

Mike Deranek was the moderator of the panel and Chief operating officer at Bashor’s Children Home he shares the purpose of these workshops.

“By partnering with IUSB, CAPS, and ITVAP, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing the community with accurate, reliable information on issues like child abuse, neglect and human trafficking,” said Deranek.

Panelists provide key insights from experts on the prevalence of human trafficking in the local area, debunk common myths, and offer actionable strategies to raise awareness to a critical matter that impacts our community.

Rebbeca Shelter Fast is the president of Child and Parent Services that also joined the workshop as a panelist to unveil the realities of human trafficking and debunk myths.

“Trafficking is done by strangers so that stranger danger myth or someone in a white van is not accurate.” said Shelter Fast “Last year alone 93% of children in our community alone were victims of sexual abuse and trafficking is a form of sexual abuse or abused by someone they knew well, just think about that means that these are people in our networks.

The Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance program (ITVAP) announced that they have impacted over 8 thousand kids in the area by providing them assistance through their programs.

If you suspect a child is being abused, please contact 911 or Indiana Child Abuse hotline at 1-800-800-5556.