Northern Tier News

Human trafficking remains a growing concern in the United States, with children often falling victim through online platforms. In response to this issue, Representatives Clint Owlett and Tina Pickett are organizing seminars aimed at educating parents and community members on safeguarding children from human trafficking in the digital age.

The seminars will take place on Wednesday, April 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Towanda Area Junior/Senior High School and on Thursday, April 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wellsboro Fire Department Annex. The sessions will feature insights from Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters and Korrin Moon, president and founder of Lantern Rescue. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday will also participate in the Wellsboro session.

Representative Owlett highlighted that human trafficking victims are increasingly school-going children who lead seemingly normal lives while being targeted online. "When most people hear about human trafficking, they think about abduction, smuggling or confinement," Owlett said. "More and more human trafficking victims are kids who are going to school...while also being groomed and exploited online."

Representative Pickett emphasized the need for awareness among caregivers and community members to effectively combat this crime. “Parents, grandparents, caregivers and members of the community need to understand exactly what human trafficking looks like today so we can protect our kids,” she stated.

The event is primarily intended for adults due to its sensitive nature but may serve as a platform for parents to initiate conversations with their teenagers about self-protection against such threats.

Attendees are encouraged but not required to RSVP via RepOwlett.com or RepPickett.com or by contacting Owlett’s office at 570-724-1390 or Pickett’s office at 570-265-3124.