Words by Jenny Lynn Davis
In a world where the innocence of children is exploited and their futures hang in the balance, a glimmer of hope emerges through the efforts of the Child Trafficking Solutions Project (CTSP) – a collaborative initiative dedicated to education, empowerment, and community mobilization in the response to and prevention of child trafficking.
The Walker County Children’s Policy Council and the Walker Area Community Foundation, along with CTSP, invite local community leaders to a lunch and learn event on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
The event will take place at Wade Hall on Bevill State Community College’s Jasper campus, and will feature Jasper native Crystal Gregory, who works for the Department of Homeland Security. Gregory will speak on recognizing the indicators, rethinking the situation, and responding appropriately to child trafficking. This event is an invaluable opportunity for individuals across all sectors to come together, learn, and collaborate towards building a safer and more secure future for our children.
“This event will essentially be a launch of CTSP’s presence in Walker County. We’ll meet with local leaders and show them how we can work with their organizations, and foster collaboration between agencies,” said Jan Bell, Co-Founder of CTSP.
“We have super partners throughout Walker County like the Children’s Policy Council, Walker Area Community Foundation, DHR, DA Office, Juvenile Court, Children’s Advocacy Center, and community volunteers. All of these agencies in Walker County are committed to, invested in, and will be continuously working on staying engaged with the community and broadening the approach to attacking the issue of child trafficking.”
Those interested in attending may contact Donna Kilgore at donna.kilgore@bscc.edu.
CTSP is dedicated to education through tailored training programs that empower diverse individuals to address child trafficking. It fosters unified responses and connections between agencies, establishing protocols for a strategic approach. The initiative supports survivors with assessments, housing, mental health care, medical aid, education, and legal guidance. CTSP’s impact includes 31 declared Trafficking Free Zones, training for law enforcement, policy influence, and working toward a future where children are free from exploitation and communities stand as advocates. CTSP is an initiative under the umbrella of the Children’s Aid Society of Alabama. WL
To learn more about the Child Trafficking Solutions Project, please visit https://www.childrensaid.org/ctsp.html
