OCDSB Speaker Series: Combating Human Trafficking - Parent/Guardian Panel Discussion
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In this panel discussion, we will delve into the aspects of tackling human trafficking. The session aims to equip parents/guardians with the know-how to identify the warning signs and grooming behaviours and understand the factors making children vulnerable and susceptible to trafficking. We will also explore ways we can collectively support parents/guardians in safeguarding their children. Join our panelists as we work together to raise awareness, share vital information and provide practical guidance on this crucial issue, ensuring the safety of our children. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against human trafficking.
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Format: Zoom Webinar (Register in Advance)
To join this virtual event, please use the registration link above. You will receive an email containing a link to access the webinar.
Panelists
Amanda Larche, Acting Sergeant Detective, Ottawa Police Service
Amanda has been an active member of the Ottawa Police since 2001, serving ten years in uniform on patrol and as a school resource officer for English and French boards. She transitioned to the human trafficking pilot project in the summer of 2014. In 2017, the Ottawa Police created the human trafficking unit. Amanda is starting her tenth year investigating human trafficking. She has watched the unit grow and expand and is always ready to learn and develop the unit, working with community agencies that help combat human trafficking and keep the most vulnerable persons safe.
Mara Rothschild (BA, MSW, RSW), Social Worker
Mara is a social worker with years of experience working with clients
from a variety of backgrounds and settings. She has enjoyed supporting
young people and families across varied contexts from a trauma-informed,
expressive, integrative, strengths-based, and developmental
perspective. She is a clinical consultant for YouTurn Youth Support
Services, an organization which provides specialized support to youth
involved with or at risk of being involved with human trafficking.
Mara's work is focused on developmental trauma, family trauma,
attachment, and play-based therapy
Simone Bell, Human Trafficking Victim Support Specialist, Ottawa Police Service
Simone has been in the role of Human Trafficking Victim Support Specialist for over three years. This role is the first of its kind within OPS. Simone has been working in the field of Anti Human Trafficking for nine years. During her career, she has trained the public, service providers, and police nationally and internationally on victim mindset, trauma, and community mobilization. Previously, she founded The Hope Found Project within Voice Found, which supports victims/survivors with their healing and recovery. As a survivor of human trafficking, her goal is to support survivors and prevent exploitation through public education.
Wendy Gee, Executive Director, A New Day Youth and Adult Services
A New Day Youth and Adult Services is a therapeutic residential recovery home dedicated to supporting youth who have courageously exited sex trafficking. Wendy provides guidance and resources to empower these resilient individuals on their path to recovery. As the Chair of the Coalition to End Human Trafficking, Wendy works alongside advocates to combat this pervasive issue, striving to create a safer world for vulnerable individuals. Wendy contributes her expertise as a member of the Child and Youth Counsellor Program Advisory Group at Algonquin College. She frequently presents on topics such as "Parenting a Child that has been Sexually Exploited" and "Trauma and Attachment" throughout Canada. In addition to her advocacy work, Wendy is pursuing a faculty of law degree at the University of Ottawa.