Recently, I had the privilege of training eight incredible professionals in Auburn, NY, to bring Love146’s Not a Number curriculum to the youth they serve. This group works with youth in juvenile detention facilities; youth who really benefit from this type of skill-building and empowerment.
Often, our prevention team facilitates Not a Number with youth involved with the juvenile justice system. These youth, and youth who are engaged with the child welfare system, are at a much higher risk for trafficking. This was an enthusiastic group of professionals, eager to learn the curriculum and begin implementing it right away.
Youth involved with the juvenile justice system are often able to apply Not a Number lessons to their lives immediately.
They learn to identify trusted adults, get a chance to recognize healthy and unhealthy relationships and often most importantly, they get the opportunity to safety plan with an adult who can take the time to work through really specific scenarios with them. The facilitators in Auburn came in focused on their goal of impacting this population of youth and humbly welcomed feedback, determined to help the youth in their communities build the skills they need to stay safe from trafficking and exploitation.
I get to see this all over the country, and it gives me so much hope!
Over the next few months, my colleagues and I will be doing this same type of training in Nebraska, Illinois, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Florida. We’re supporting professionals every day who are showing up to protect vulnerable youth in their communities. (See upcoming trainings.)
