Big Ben Coalition Against Human Trafficking (BBCAHT) Events from January - March 2020
Jan 15, 2020
The Big Ben Coalition Against Human Trafficking (BBCAHT) announces activities and events occurring in 2020 from January to March. Several events coincide with National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January. BBCAHT Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bbcaht/
JAN-MAR2020-Human Trafficking Awareness Month FINAL
1) Human Trafficking: Building Public Awareness Community Training Program
Date: Friday, January 17, 2020, 1-3 p.m.
Location: United Church in Tallahassee, 1834 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee
Description: Education is the number-one tool we have for ending human trafficking, but with so much misinformation out there, do you know the facts? This certificate program will focus on the myths vs. the realities of human trafficking and what you can do as member of the media, in your faith or civic group, in your state agency or non-profit, or as an individual, to help build awareness and end human trafficking.
RSVP Here*Free to Public
2) Human Trafficking and the Justice System: Through the Eyes of Survivors
Date: Friday, January 24, 2020, 11:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: FSU College of Law, Room: Rotunda 310, 425 W Jefferson St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
Description: How can we as attorneys, advocates, judges, law enforcement, and as members of the community ensure that human trafficking survivors are helped by the justice system and not retraumatized? How can we understand the traumas that survivors have faced as we bring traffickers to justice? How can we work to build a response to human trafficking that is survivor-centered and that actively works to restore victims and helps them to rebuild their lives? How can we build strength, empathy and resilience for ourselves and survivors in our courtrooms, classrooms, law offices, law enforcement agencies, clinics, social services organizations, and throughout our world? These questions and more will be the focus of this program.
*Free to Public; Lunch is provided
3) Human Trafficking Collaborations: Networking Luncheon
Date: February 19, 2020, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Railroad Square Craft House, 644 McDonnell Dr., Railroad Square Art District, Tallahassee
Description: The best and only way to help human trafficking survivors is to work together, and this event is geared to building these vital community connections and collaborations. If you or your organization encounters people who are vulnerable, YOU could be a contact point for a human trafficking survivor. Whether you are with a social services agency, law enforcement, the faith community, the schools, a business, are a student or are from the community-at-large, YOU are important to assisting survivors and bringing traffickers to justice. This networking lunch is a chance for everyone in the community to meet, spark collaborations, share info, and help trafficking survivors.
Contact: Kristina Bailey, Kristine.Bailey@rescue.org; 850-544-3914
*Free to Attend
4) Human Trafficking Hot Topics: Public Policy and Programs Community Training Program
Date: Friday, February 21, 2020, 1-3 p.m.
Location: United Church in Tallahassee, 1834 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee
Description: This certificate program will focus on the many public policy issues facing the 2020 Florida Legislature in the area of anti-trafficking public policies and laws, including past legislative efforts and current needs. Experts will explain Florida law, needs and gaps, and the workings of the Legislature.
*Free to Attend
5) Human Trafficking and the Schools Community Training Program
Date: Friday, March 20, 2020, 1-3 p.m.
Location: TBD
Description: This certificate program and training will address new Florida Department of Education rules regarding human trafficking, including how schools are impacted, and will help to identify actionable next steps for teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and all Floridians. Understanding your role in prevention and eradication of human trafficking is the ultimate goal of this training.
*Free to Attend
6) “Imagining Freedom Culinary Tasting and Marketplace”
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2020 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Turnbull Center, 555 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
Description: The “Imagining Freedom Culinary Tasting and Marketplace” is a casual dining event to raise awareness about both labor and sex trafficking in the Big Bend. Food stations, coordinated by Susan Turner and Food Glorious Food, will feature dishes that are slavery-free and not part of food chains that include trafficked labor. Vendors will offer goods that are also trafficking-free, experts will provide insights and answer questions about trafficking, and a brief program will outline concrete ways that guests can help survivors of human trafficking.
Ticket Cost: $75
Human Trafficking Forum in Gadsden County on Saturday January 18, 2020
Jan 15, 2020
This forum will focus on the issues of human trafficking in Gadsden County including both sex and labor trafficking and the impact of trafficking after disasters like Hurricane Michael. Local and community leaders will present information and hold an open forum to discuss human trafficking, how to support farmers and other food purveyors whose produce and work is “slavery-free,” and other needed community responses.
This forum will focus on the issues of human trafficking in Gadsden County including both sex and labor trafficking and the impact of trafficking after disasters like Hurricane Michael. Local and community leaders will present information and hold an open forum to discuss human trafficking, how to support farmers and other food purveyors whose produce and work is “slavery-free,” and other needed community responses.
Event Date:
Saturday, January 18, 2020
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Event Location:
Gadsden County Public Library
732 Pat Thomas Parkway
Quincy, FL 32351
Free Event and Refreshments included
Freedom 7 Human Trafficking Taskforce Event on January 29, 2020 in Daytona Beach, FL
Jan 08, 2020
Marina Anderson, Regional Human Trafficking Coordinator, Florida Department of Children and Families Social media is increasingly being exploited to contact, recruit, and sell children for sex. Some traffickers use online ads to target victims while others use social media to strike up conversations and develop online friendships. These conversations may start off friendly and innocently, but then the traffickers will begin to use manipulation to charm their potential victims to lure them into human trafficking. During this session, attendees will learn to recognize signs of social media recruitment, the dangers of popular social media sites and apps, and the hidden meanings used to communicate sexual gestures when communicating with popular emojis.
Marina Anderson, Regional Human Trafficking Coordinator, Florida Department of Children and Families Social media is increasingly being exploited to contact, recruit, and sell children for sex. Some traffickers use online ads to target victims while others use social media to strike up conversations and develop online friendships. These conversations may start off friendly and innocently, but then the traffickers will begin to use manipulation to charm their potential victims to lure them into human trafficking. During this session, attendees will learn to recognize signs of social media recruitment, the dangers of popular social media sites and apps, and the hidden meanings used to communicate sexual gestures when communicating with popular emojis.
Event Date:
Wednesday January 29, 2020
Event Time:
5:30PM - 7:30PM
Location:
Daytona State College
1200 West International Speedway Boulevard
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Free to attend.
Human Trafficking Summit on January 10, 2020 in Pensacola, FL
Jan 08, 2020
The Circuit 1 Human Trafficking Taskforce is hosting their Human Trafficking Summit on Friday January 10, 2020 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL. Join us for a powerful day of education and action. Learn ways you locally can make a difference. Come hear dynamic speakers like Erin Collins, Director for End Trafficking Inc.
Event Date:
Friday, January 10th, 2020
7PM-9PM
Location:
Olive Baptist Church
1836 East Olive Road
Pensacola, FL 32514
Free for all to attend.
Human Trafficking Awareness Month Events on January 21 & 23, 2020
Jan 03, 2020
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Coalition requests your attendance at the local events that we have scheduled to raise awareness, educate, and update the community on how law enforcement and community service groups work together to combat human trafficking in our area.
2020 NEFLHTC Press Conference and Gathering
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Coalition requests your attendance at the local events that we have scheduled to raise awareness, educate, and update the community on how law enforcement and community service groups work together to combat human trafficking in our area. The Gathering provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about the Coalition and its member agencies. During the meeting we will invite you to stand so that we may recognize agency representatives and your agency. Several local organizations will be present with their displays and materials. This is a great opportunity for each agency to learn more about the collective efforts of the Coalition and how your agency can benefit by participating.
Event: Press Conference on Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Location: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Police Memorial Building, 501 E. Bay Street, Jacksonville, Florida (Drill Hall)
Time: 10:30 am
RSVP: Donna Webb, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Chief Probation Officer, (904) 219-2190 or donna.webb@djj.state.fl.us
*No later than Friday, January 17, 2020
Event: The 7th Annual Gathering on Thursday, January 23, 2020
Location: Southpoint Community Church, 7556 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32256
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 pm
RSVP: Donna Webb, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Chief Probation Officer, (904) 219-2190 or donna.webb@djj.state.fl.us
3rd Annual Human Trafficking Symposium in Lake City, Florida on January 22, 2020
Dec 24, 2019
The Gateway to Fr33dom Human Trafficking Taskforce is hosting their 3rd Annual Human Trafficking Symposium on Wednesday January 22, 2020 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Columbia County School Board Auditorium. Join us for a powerful day of education and action. Learn ways you locally can make a difference. Come hear the keynote address by Corporal Alan Wilkett from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office and a personal story from a Trafficking Survivor.
Labor Trafficking Training in Florida starting January 2020
Dec 24, 2019
In Florida, much attention has been focused on commercially sexually exploited children since the passing of the Florida Safe Harbor Law in 2012, including continuous media coverage and law enforcement focused dollars. Unfortunately, children are exploited for labor every day but it remains unrecognized and under the radar, leaving them at high risk for further abuse and neglect. Learn how to recognize the signs of labor trafficking, learn how to respond to domestic and foreign-born minor victims and learn about the labor trafficking trends we have seen in Florida since 2009.
In Florida, much attention has been focused on commercially sexually exploited children since the passing of the Florida Safe Harbor Law in 2012, including continuous media coverage and law enforcement focused dollars. Unfortunately, children are exploited for labor every day but it remains unrecognized and under the radar, leaving them at high risk for further abuse and neglect. Learn how to recognize the signs of labor trafficking, learn how to respond to domestic and foreign-born minor victims and learn about the labor trafficking trends we have seen in Florida since 2009.
Presenters:
Sue Aboul-hosn, DCF Regional Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinator
Cristobal Perez, DCF Program Analyst, Refugee Services Program
"Salon Talk" - A Free Workshop on Human Trafficking
Dec 24, 2019
This workshop is designed to bring awareness of the types of Human Trafficking that affects children, men and women. The target population for this workshop are: hair salons, barber shops, massage parlors and nail salons as well as any other interested business professionals and the community. This workshop will provide professional speakers who are involved in the field of human trafficking, survivor stories, as well information of the human trafficking going on in the Pasco-Hernando area.
This workshop is designed to bring awareness of the types of Human Trafficking that affects children, men and women. The target population for this workshop are: hair salons, barber shops, massage parlors and nail salons as well as any other interested business professionals and the community. This workshop will provide professional speakers who are involved in the field of human trafficking, survivor stories, as well information of the human trafficking going on in the Pasco-Hernando area.
Contact:
Natalie Epo
813‐527‐6629
Registration Link
Event Date:
Monday, January 27th, 2020
10AM-2:30PM
Location:
Pasco-Hernando State College - Porter Campus
Conference Center (Building B)
2727 Mansfield Blvd.
Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
Free for all to attend.
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Awarded Funding from Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
Dec 19, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2019
CONTACT:
DJJ Communications Office
DJJ.News@djj.state.fl.us
(850) 921-5900
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice announced it was awarded $775,775 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program. OJJDP is an office of the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program supports government and nonprofit agencies in reducing recidivism and improving life after incarceration in prisons, jails and juvenile facilities. The grant funding will be used to enhance the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s existing evidence-based transition services for youth returning to their communities after out-of-home placement.
“Transition services are instrumental to ensuring youth achieve success after placement in a residential commitment program. It is critical that our agency provides effective resources and support to help them stay on the right path” said DJJ Secretary Simone Marstiller.
The new evidence-based programming will include cognitive-based and trauma-focused therapies with individualized care based on assessments from the youth’s clinicians, juvenile probation officer, transition services provider and family. These services will serve to supplement and ensure the completion of existing transition services such as career and academic assistance, family support, and mental health and substance abuse treatment to further lower the chance of recidivism.
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The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Highlights 2019 Agency Accomplishments
Dec 17, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2019
CONTACT:
DJJ Communications Office
news@djj.state.fl.us
(850) 921-5900
Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the agency is closing out this milestone year with several important accomplishments. One of the most noteworthy successes is the further decline in juvenile arrests, which are down eight percent this past fiscal year. This marks a five-year decline of 27 percent, resulting in the lowest juvenile arrest level in Florida in 44 years. As the largest, most comprehensive juvenile justice system in the country, DJJ put forth significant achievements this year which strengthen its work in reducing juvenile delinquency and increasing public safety:
- Partnership with First Lady DeSantis on Suicide Prevention and Youth Success: This year, DJJ partnered with First Lady DeSantis on several initiatives focused on helping Florida’s young people. DJJ took part in First Lady DeSantis’ listening tour to discuss new mental health and substance abuse initiatives and has worked with First Lady DeSantis in her capacity as chair of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet on the importance issue of youth suicide prevention. First Lady DeSantis also honored the 2019 Department of Juvenile Justice Youth Ambassadors at the Florida’s Governor Mansion in celebration of Youth Success Day.
- Detention Risk Assessment Instrument (DRAI): DJJ revamped its Detention Risk Assessment Instrument, the tool used to determine the need and intensity of detention care at the point of arrest. Florida’s Detention Risk Assessment Instrument is now the most statistically advanced risk assessment instrument in the country, and Florida is now the first state to tie a variety of community supervision options directly to the instrument’s scoring outcomes.
- Community Assessment Tool (CAT) and Residential Assessment for Youth (RAY): DJJ updated its community and residential risk assessment tools to improve the overall accuracy of a youth’s risk to reoffend, identify a youth’s criminogenic needs, and to assist staff in addressing a youth’s risk and protective factors. These new tools represent an advancement in the department’s ability to classify and place youth at the most effective and appropriate intervention level based on their specific needs.
- Supervised Release Program: Florida law now identifies “nonsecure detention” as supervised release. As part of the implementation, three programs became operational throughout the state: home detention, intensive home detention, and intensive home detention with electronic monitoring. Implementation of supervised release advances DJJ’s efforts in upholding public safety and increases the level of supervision for youth awaiting adjudication and disposition by the courts.
- Updated Suicide Prevention Curriculum: As a proud member of First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hope for Healing initiative, DJJ recognizes the critical mental health issues Florida’s youth face. DJJ updated its suicide prevention curriculum for all DJJ staff and contracted provider staff. The goals of this curriculum are to increase awareness about suicide and better equip staff with the knowledge to understand, respond and support youth in crisis.
- It’s No Joke Awareness Campaign: DJJ launched a new awareness campaign aimed at addressing school threats made by students. The “It’s No Joke” campaign aims to dissuade youth from making school threats and educate both youth and parents of the consequences one can face when making these threats.
- Youth Engagement Model Rewrite: The department completed a comprehensive revision of its Protective Action Response (PAR) curriculum, the verbal and physical intervention system used by all probation, detention and residential direct care staff. This updated curriculum will provide staff with strategies to safely interact with youth that decreases the need for physical intervention by emphasizing the use of trauma-responsive verbal and non-physical intervention techniques.
- Restoring Hope Training Conference: DJJ hosted its Restoring Hope Training Summit which brought together a total of 425 attendees, including DJJ staff members, law enforcement partners, providers, and community stakeholders from around the state, to develop strategies to improve juvenile justice reform efforts, strengthen families, and build connections.
“The Florida Department of Juvenile justice is recognized as a national leader in evidence-based approaches to juvenile justice”, said DJJ Secretary Simone Marstiller. “Our achievements this year are just the beginning and illustrates our continued commitment to enhancing Florida’s juvenile justice system. Through the leadership and dedication of Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, DJJ will continue to serve as an innovative and data-driven model for other juvenile justice systems.”
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Governor Ron DeSantis’ Bolder, Brighter, Better Future Budget Continues to Invest in Juvenile Delinquency Prevention and Intervention
Nov 18, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2019
CONTACT:
DJJ Communications Office
news@djj.state.fl.us
(850) 921-5900
Governor Ron DeSantis’ Bolder, Brighter, Better Future Budget Continues to Invest in Juvenile Delinquency Prevention and Intervention
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget, which invests an additional $17.1 million into Florida’s juvenile justice system for a total of $592.9 million. This funding will support prevention and early intervention services for at-risk youth and their families and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s core mission of reducing juvenile delinquency, increasing public safety, and helping youth successfully transition back into their communities.
The Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget includes:
- $6.2 million to provide special risk benefits to juvenile detention officers, which will better-enable the Department to recruit and retain qualified staff.
- $4.8 million to enhance services, staffing, and oversight in DJJ’s residential programs throughout the state.
- $1.1 million for juvenile prevention programs, which will help prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system.
“Governor Ron DeSantis is unwavering in his commitment to Florida’s juvenile justice system, and the Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget demonstrates his continued support in providing the best outcomes for our youth and for the thousands of dedicated staff who work to better the lives of those we serve,” said DJJ Secretary Simone Marstiller. “I thank him for his leadership in recognizing the needs of our youth, families and staff, ensuring safer communities and a better Florida for us all.”
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The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Honors Juvenile Justice Teacher of the Year
Oct 30, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2019
CONTACT:
DJJ Communications Office
news@djj.state.fl.us
(850) 921-5900
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Honors Juvenile Justice Teacher of the Year
Orlando, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice awarded Amy Jacob with the Juvenile Justice Teacher of the Year Award during a ceremony in Orlando. The Juvenile Justice Teacher of the Year Award is presented to an outstanding educator who uses innovative and creative instructional strategies and who also promotes a positive school environment.
Ms. Amy Jacob is a Spirited Girls teacher at the PACE Center for Girls in Lee County. The Spirited Girls class at PACE teaches girls how to better navigate real life, tackling topics such as self-esteem, conflict resolution, and relationship building. Ms. Jacob has been active at this center for the past year and a half and has served in the education field for 20 years. In addition to her regular classroom curriculum, Ms. Jacob incorporates supplemental activities including yoga classes and guest speakers to visit with her students.
“Ms. Jacob exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary teacher by focusing not only on teaching her students but instilling in them life skills to prepare them for a brighter future,” said DJJ Secretary Simone Marstiller. “She inspires her students to believe in themselves to help them achieve both personal and academic success.”
Ms. Jacob also received praise from her students at the program. “It’s rare to find a teacher who genuinely cares, and my Spirited Girls teacher truly does care,” said one PACE student. “My Spirited Girls teacher has never let me give up, she always believed in me, has always seen the potential in me.”
DJJ also honored two other finalists for the Juvenile Justice Teacher of the Year Award at the ceremony. Among the other finalists considered were Robert Hegarty, a social studies teacher at the Cypress Creek Juvenile Offender Correctional Center in Citrus County and Kayla Stevenson, a social studies teacher at the PACE Center for Girls in Clay County.
The teachers were honored at the 2nd Annual DJJ Restoring Hope Training Summit where each received a medal and monetary award from the Florida Juvenile Justice Association. The DJJ Restoring Hope Training Summit brings together DJJ staff and stakeholders to discuss juvenile justice reform efforts and raise awareness on issues impacting Florida’s youth and families.
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Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Kicks Off School Threats Awareness Campaign
Sep 17, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2019
CONTACT:
DJJ Communications Office
news@djj.state.fl.us
(850) 921-5900
Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice announced today a new awareness campaign aimed at addressing school threats made by students in Florida. The “It’s No Joke” campaign aims to dissuade youth from making school threats, because doing so can lead to being arrested and charged with a felony.
“We want young people in Florida to understand that, in today’s environment, every threat is taken very seriously and, even if made in jest, can lead to devastating consequences,” said DJJ Secretary Simone Marstiller. “There is nothing funny about threatening a school, and there is nothing funny about being charged with a felony. We want young people to think twice before casually threatening violence in their schools.”
School related offenses include making false reports concerning a bomb, explosives, or firearms and possessing or discharging weapons or firearms on school property on a school-sponsored event. The “It’s No Joke” awareness campaign seeks to educate youth and parents that even threats made online, including on social media and gaming sites, can lead to a youth being charged with a felony offense.
Youth, parents, and teachers are also encouraged to report any and all threats they see or hear. They can notify law enforcement of a threat or can report a threat anonymously through Florida’s FortifyFL app, a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.
“Our top priority is the safety and security of students and teachers,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “It is critical that students take threats very seriously and report suspicious activity. I encourage all students and educators to download the FortifyFL app to report potentially unsafe situations, which could prevent a tragedy.”
The number of Florida youth charged with school threat related offenses has risen steadily in the last three years. In Fiscal Year 2016-2017, 629 youth were charged with school threat related offenses, followed by 687 youth in Fiscal Year 2017-2018, and 779 youth in Fiscal Year 2018-2019.
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2019 Human Trafficking Summit
Sep 16, 2019
Statewide conference on preventing labor and sex trafficking of children and adults. Breakout sessions will include recent updates and developments in the areas of legal/law enforcement, service delivery, policy and research, and medical/healthcare.
Event Date:
Monday September 30, 2019
8:30AM- 6:00PM
Location:
Hyatt Regency Orlando
9801 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Free for all to attend
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Launches Updated Suicide Prevention Curriculum
Sep 12, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2019
CONTACT:
DJJ Communications Office
news@djj.state.fl.us
(850) 921-5900
Tallahassee, Fla.—In support of September as National Suicide Awareness Month and National Suicide Prevention Week, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is launching its newly updated suicide prevention curriculum for all DJJ and contracted provider staff. The goals of this curriculum are to increase awareness about suicide and better equip staff with the knowledge to understand, respond and support youth in crisis.
“Suicide prevention is an integral part of the work we do at DJJ,” said DJJ Secretary Simone Marstiller. “It begins at the first point of contact with a youth, and we continually assess suicide risk the entire time a youth is in a DJJ program or facility.”
This new curriculum was created based on current research, best practices and the Gatekeeper™ training concept. The curriculum will consist of updated components on understanding suicide and terminology, identifying risk factors and warning signs, and learning appropriate ways to talk about suicide and respond. This curriculum will replace the current suicide prevention curriculum used by DJJ and will be phased in over the next few months.
DJJ also hosted an employee wellness event to coincide with Suicide Awareness Month. The event included self-care techniques, health tips and resources centered around learning how to take care of yourself in order to take care of others.
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Human Trafficking Seminar in Circuit 14
Jul 16, 2019
Freedom 180, the Positive Youth Development Program of the Florida Department of Health in Bay County, and Florida State University’s Panama City Campus are proud to announce the More Th>n A Nu#ber: A Human Trafficking Seminar. The conference will be focused on Human Trafficking; not only recognizing the signs, but what an individual can do to help eradicate Human Trafficking in their area. Registration link is provided
Freedom 180, the Positive Youth Development Program of the Florida Department of Health in Bay County, and Florida State University’s Panama City Campus are proud to announce the More Th>n A Nu#ber: A Human Trafficking Seminar. The conference will be focused on Human Trafficking; not only recognizing the signs, but what an individual can do to help eradicate Human Trafficking in their area. We also have the honor of hearing from two survivors of Human Trafficking; one that was trafficked in Northwest Florida including Bay County.
Seats are limited, so reserve your spot soon.
This conference is FREE to attend, but you MUST register to attend the event.
When: Friday, July 26, 2019
Where: The Holley Building in the Holley Lecture Hall
4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, FL 32405
Florida State University’s Panama City Campus
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs 2019-2020 “Bold Vision for a Brighter Future” Budget
Jun 21, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2019
CONTACT:
DJJ Communications Office
news@djj.state.fl.us
(850) 921-5900
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs 2019-2020 “Bold Vision for a Brighter Future” Budget
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Bold Vision for a Brighter Future” budget for fiscal year 2019-2020. This budget ensures that Florida will continue to be a national leader in innovative, evidence-based approaches to juvenile justice and helps to strengthen the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s work in reducing juvenile delinquency and providing optimal services for youth and families.
“I would like to thank Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for continuing to invest in Florida’s at-risk youth by supporting prevention and early intervention services as well as supporting funding to increase the level of evidence-based treatment services for those youth most in need,” said Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Simone Marstiller. “The funding provided will ensure that we continue to best serve youth and families and remain focused on public safety for all Floridians.”
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Child Sex Trafficking Training in Florida starting August 2019
Apr 19, 2019
This training is designed to provide law enforcement investigators, patrol officers and social service providers with the information necessary to properly understand, recognize, and respond to cases involving child sex trafficking and exploitation. Learn the dynamics of trafficking and exploitation to improve skills related to victim identification and recovery, interviewing techniques for recovered victims, and effective techniques for a fully corroborated investigation to hold the perpetrator(s) accountable.
This training is designed to provide law enforcement investigators, patrol officers and social service providers with the information necessary to properly understand, recognize, and respond to cases involving child sex trafficking and exploitation. Learn the dynamics of trafficking and exploitation to improve skills related to victim identification and recovery, interviewing techniques for recovered victims, and effective techniques for a fully corroborated investigation to hold the perpetrator(s) accountable.
Objectives/Goals:
- Fully understand the dynamics of child sex trafficking, victim selection, control techniques and why this crime is often undetected and under investigated.
- Effectively recognize and recover victims of child sex trafficking.
- Utilize victim centered interview techniques with recovered victims.
- Learn to utilize effective techniques for the investigation of child sex trafficking.
Date(s) and Location(s):
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Training Opportunity in Circuit 06
Apr 08, 2019
An in-depth level of training for those who will be working directly with sexually exploited youth and their supervisors. Attendees must have a basic understanding of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). This training addresses youth development, stages of change and teaches basic skills in motivational interviewing and trauma informed care, ending with the importance of addressing vicarious trauma and self-care. The goal is to ensure that a person-centered approach is employed when working with commercially sexually exploited youth.
An in-depth level of training for those who will be working directly with sexually exploited youth and their supervisors. Attendees must have a basic understanding of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). This training addresses youth development, stages of change and teaches basic skills in motivational interviewing and trauma informed care, ending with the importance of addressing vicarious trauma and self-care. The goal is to ensure that a person-centered approach is employed when working with commercially sexually exploited youth.
Objectives:
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Review Stages of Change model and techniques of Motivational Interviewing
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Discuss trauma triggers and advanced safety planning
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Suggest how to manage vicarious trauma and practice self-care.
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Incorporate trauma-informed care and person-centered approaches into interactions with survivors
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Learn more about how trauma impacts youth brain development
Date:
April 24th, 2019
Two sessions to choose from:
1) 9:30am - 12:30pm
2) 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Location:
Eckerd Community Alternatives
8550 Ulmerton Road, Suite 255
Largo, FL 33771
Registration Deadline:
April 17th, 2019
First Lady Casey DeSantis Honors DJJ Youth Ambassadors During Youth Success Day
Mar 27, 2019
First Lady Casey DeSantis honored the 2019 Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Youth Ambassadors yesterday at the Florida Governor’s Mansion in celebration of Youth Success Day. Joining the First Lady in honoring this year’s ambassadors were DJJ Secretary Simone Marstiller, DJJ leadership, community partners and members of both the Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation and Florida Juvenile Justice Association.
For Immediate Release
March 27, 2019
Tallahassee, Fla. – First Lady Casey DeSantis honored the 2019 Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Youth Ambassadors yesterday at the Florida Governor’s Mansion in celebration of Youth Success Day. Joining the First Lady in honoring this year’s ambassadors were DJJ Secretary Simone Marstiller, DJJ leadership, community partners and members of both the Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation and Florida Juvenile Justice Association.
DJJ Youth Ambassadors are youth in the state of Florida who have turned their lives around for the better after contact with the juvenile justice system or who have participated in prevention programs for children at risk of entering the system. These ambassadors serve as role models for other at-risk kids throughout the state.
(Photo Credit: Governor's Press Office)
“As a mother of two, I know firsthand how important it is for children to have strong role models they can look up to and ask for help when they need it,” said First Lady DeSantis. “These ambassadors demonstrate potential realized. They serve as leaders for youth who may be experiencing similar challenges and I was proud to recognize them today.”
“With incredible determination and strength, these young people have overcome the odds to show that your past does not define your future,” said DJJ Secretary Marstiller. “Success for them means overcoming adversity, learning from their mistakes and working toward a better life for themselves.”
The department solicits nominations for the Youth Ambassador Award from providers, community stakeholders and the public at large. Youth Ambassadors received a certificate and Youth Investment Award from the Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation, which is the direct support organization for DJJ.
The 2019 Ambassadors are as follows:
Savannah Frietze
Savannah has faced challenges from a very young age and has been involved in both the foster care and delinquency systems. Savannah was committed to a juvenile residential commitment program and after successfully completing the program, she was placed on post-commitment probation. Since that time, she is living independently through the Children in Crisis Independent Living Program, excelling in her classes and is looking for part-time employment. Savannah has also met with a local Marine Corps recruiter to discuss enlistment after completing school.
Rontarrious Hughes
Rontarrious attends the AMIkids Gadsden’s after school program where he receives prevention services. Rontarrious has faced difficult challenges in his life, particularly when it comes to his family, but success for Rontarrious means overcoming these adversities. While at AMI, Rontarrious has earned the rank of master sergeant, he is a member of Students Against Drunk Driving, and at AMIkids Winter Challenge in January, he was awarded the Hartwell Leadership Award for exhibiting exceptional leadership qualities. Rontarrious plans to attend Tallahassee Community College.
Timmy Lee
Timmy has faced many challenges, including spending time in foster care due to a house fire that almost destroyed his family home. Even though the environment Timmy found himself in was at times difficult, he did not allow it to define who he was as a person. Timmy has experienced challenges that at times, but with the efforts of the local Boys & Girls Club and the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program, combined with self-will, he has become a hardworking, inspiring, and empowering young man. Today, Timmy is the leader of the “Improve Lacoochee Trilby” group that meets annually to discuss what can be done to progress the community he calls home.
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Finding Justice for Human Trafficking Survivors: Labor Trafficking
Jan 25, 2019
Justice system representatives and experts will speak on a range of issues raised by the PBS Frontline documentary film “Trafficked in America” which will be shown from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with lunch and program to follow immediately the film. Topics will include:the prevalence of labor trafficking in Florida and in the Big Bend; the challenges and realities of trafficking of minors and their vulnerability; immigration legal issues and assistance for victims; and how those in the justice system and the public can best respond to bring justice to trafficking survivors and our community.
Justice system representatives and experts will speak on a range of issues raised by the PBS Frontline documentary film “Trafficked in America” which will be shown from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with lunch and program to follow immediately the film. Topics will include:the prevalence of labor trafficking in Florida and in the Big Bend; the challenges and realities of trafficking of minors and their vulnerability; immigration legal issues and assistance for victims;
and how those in the justice system and the public can best respond to bring justice to trafficking survivors and our community.
Hosts/Sponsors: FSU College of Law, FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC), Legal Services of North Florida, Tallahassee Women Lawyers, International Rescue Committee, Sister’s Embrace, FSU Golden Key Society, and OUTLaw.
Contact:
Robin Hassler Thompson
STAC
850-597-2080
robin@surviveandthriveadvocacy.org
Event Date:
Thursday, January 31st, 2019
11:30AM-4PM
Location:
Florida State University College of Law
425 West Jefferson Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Program is free; lunch is provided. If CLE required: $75; CLE scholarships available, contact STAC
Human Trafficking Community Training Program
Jan 25, 2019
This certificate program will focus on the knowledge and skills to recognize and assist human trafficking survivors in a variety of settings.
This certificate program will focus on the knowledge and skills to recognize and assist human trafficking survivors in a variety of settings. Special topics for February 15th will include identifying sex trafficking cases among youth in the Big Bend and survivors’ needs and assistance. Special topics for March 15th will include issues facing our schools and how to mobilize in schools and higher education to identify and intervene in human trafficking cases in the Big Bend, including how students can mobilize and take action.
Contact:
STAC
850-597-2080
stac@surviveandthriveadvocacy.org
To register, please send your name and contact information to:
stac@surviveandthriveadvocacy.org
Event Date:
Friday, February 19th, 2019
1PM-3PM
and
Friday, March 19th, 2019
1PM-3PM
Location:
The Kearney Center
2650 Municipal Way
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Free for all to attend.
California's Forgotten Children Film Screening at Florida State University
Jan 25, 2019
"California's Forgotten Children", a documentary about child sex trafficking in California, will be shown at Florida State University's Student Life Cinema.
“California's Forgotten Children" is a feature documentary about child sex trafficking. The film recounts true stories of girls and boys who were commercially sexually exploited in California and are now survivors and courageous leaders fighting for the rights of victims worldwide. The survivors’ stories show that any child can be exploited regardless of ethnicity or social economic background. This film highlights heroic stories from abolitionists and advocates who work night and day to protect children to put an end to this epidemic. The showing will be followed by a panel discussion. Parking can be difficult, so please arrive early.
Contact:
Daniela Donoso
BBCAHT.Students@gmail.com
Event Date:
Sunday, January 27th, 2019
7PM-9PM
Location:
Florida State University Student Life Cinema
942 Learning Way
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Free for all to attend.
Big Bend Coalition Against Human Trafficking Community Human Trafficking Forum in Gadsden County
Jan 25, 2019
This forum will focus on the issues of human trafficking in Gadsden County including both sex and labor trafficking, and the impact of trafficking after disasters like Hurricane Michael. Local and community leaders will present information and hold an open forum to discuss human trafficking and needed community responses.
This forum will focus on the issues of human trafficking in Gadsden County
including both sex and labor trafficking, and the impact of trafficking after disasters like Hurricane Michael. Local and community leaders will present information and hold an open forum to discuss human trafficking, how to support farmers and other food purveyors whose produce and work is “slavery-free,” and other needed community responses. Refreshments will be available.
Contact:
Monica Smart Gainous
Event Date:
Saturday, January 26th, 2019
11AM-1PM
Location:
Gadsden County Public Library
732 South Pat Thomas Parkway
Quincy, FL 32351
Free for all to attend.
"Salon Talk" - A Free Workshop on Human Trafficking
Jan 15, 2019
This workshop will provide professional speakers who are involved in the field of human trafficking, survivor stories, as well information of the human trafficking going on in the Tampa Bay area.
This workshop is designed to bring awareness of the types of Human Trafficking that affects children, men and women. The target population for this workshop are: hair salons, barber shops, massage parlors and nail salons as well as any other interested business professionals and the community. This workshop will provide professional speakers who are involved in the field of human trafficking, survivor stories, as well information of the human trafficking going on in the Tampa Bay area.
Contact:
Vonceil Smith
727‐344‐8021
Registration Link
Event Date:
Friday, February 15th, 2019
10AM-2PM
Location:
Saint Petersburg College - Midtown Campus
MTJC 141 (Community Room)
1300 22nd Street, South
Saint Petersburg 33712
Free for all to attend.