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DCF Highlights Statewide Human Trafficking Trainings and Awareness Events During Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January

January 12, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –  Today, Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced upcoming Human Trafficking Trainings and awareness events for January to honor Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

“Preventing the victimization and exploitation of children in our State is one of the most important priorities of the Department,” said Secretary Shevaun Harris. “As a mom of two, I am so appreciative of all of the tools and tips that help to bring greater awareness to the ways in which we can keep our children safe. I firmly believe that there can never be too many trainings and awareness events on this topic and we will continue to use our resources and authority to respond to the needs of children who are in unsafe circumstances.”

“Supporting survivors of human trafficking is one of this Administration’s top priorities, especially those in the care and custody of the State who have experienced this heinous crime,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez. “It is critically important to continue to bring awareness to the myriad of services and resources that are available for survivors. We hope that the month of January will shine a light on what human trafficking is, train individuals across the state on how to stop it, and provide education on the best ways to support survivors through the recovery process.”

The Department works diligently to protect Florida’s children from abuse and trafficking through supportive services, including certifying safe houses and safe foster homes to provide secure and specialized residential environments for sexually exploited children. Known or suspected trafficking, neglect, exploitation, and abuse of a child can be reported to DCF’s Florida Abuse Hotline. The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts reports 24/7, and these reports are then investigated by DCF – 800-799-7233.

Florida became the first state in the nation to develop a screening tool for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. The Human Trafficking Screening Tool was developed jointly by DCF and the Department of Juvenile Justice to screen for both labor and sex trafficking as a way to identify possible trafficking victims early and connect them with services.

All youth who enter the juvenile justice system are screened using the Human Trafficking Screening Tool and all cases of suspected trafficking, exploitation, and abuse are reported to the Florida Abuse Hotline so DCF can investigate and intervene as needed.

Below you will find upcoming trainings and awareness events in the month of January. Please note that many of these are still being planned; we will provide updates, once confirmed, for the events that have “TBD” listed for the time or location. Updated information can be found at: www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/human-trafficking/events.shtml.

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Shedding Light on The Darkness: A Human Trafficking Symposium
Date/Time: January 12, 2023 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Location: Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Free Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Date/Time: January 12, 2023 (6:30 – 9:00 PM)
Location: Duncan Theatre, Palm Beach State College, Lake Worth Campus, 4200 South Congress Avenue, Lake Worth, FL, 33461

Light Up the Night Anti Human Trafficking Awareness Event
Date/Time: January 14, 2023 (4:00 – 7:00 PM)
Location: Hernando Park, 205 East Fort Dade Avenue, Brooksville, FL 34601

2023 Human Trafficking Symposium
Date/Time: January 19, 2023 (8:30 AM – 3:30 PM)
Location: Lake Church, 1010 East Memorial Boulevard, Lakeland, FL 33801

Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Coalition’s The Gathering 2023
Date/Time: January 19, 2023 (5:00 – 8:00 PM)
Location: Southpoint Community Church 7556 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256

2023 Annual Human Trafficking Summit: Online Exploitation and Staying Safe
Date/Time: January 19, 2023 (6:00 – 8:00 PM)
Location: University of West Florida University Commons, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514

Human Trafficking in Indian Country: Understanding, Collaborating, and Responding
Date/Time: January 20, 2023 (1:00 – 2:30 PM)
Location: Zoom

6th Annual Human Trafficking Symposium
Date/Time: January 25, 2023 (9:00 AM)
Location: Zoom

AdventHealth Human Trafficking Symposium
Date/Time: January 26, 2023 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Location: AdventHealth Orlando, 601 E Rollins St Suite 400, Orlando, FL 32803

Best Practices for Legal Professionals when Working with Survivors of Human Trafficking
Date/Time: January 26, 2023 (12:00 – 1:30 PM)
Location: Zoom

Miami Dade County’s 9th Annual Human Trafficking Conference
Date/Time: January 27, 2023 (10:00 AM)
Location: TBD