HARRISBURG – Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the nation, and children are frequently being victimized right in their own homes, often via the internet. To help combat the problem, Reps. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Wyoming) are inviting parents, grandparents and other concerned citizens to join them for a seminar to learn how to protect children from human trafficking in a digital world.

Two sessions are scheduled as follows:  

• Wednesday, April 2, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Towanda Area Junior/Senior High School, 1 High School Drive, Towanda.
• Thursday, April 3, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Wellsboro Fire Department Annex, 21 East Ave., Wellsboro.

Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters and Korrin Moon, president and founder of Lantern Rescue, will share their expertise and advice at each seminar. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday will join the pair at the Wellsboro session.

“When most people hear about human trafficking, they think about abduction, smuggling or confinement, but that is not the most common scenario we see here in the Commonwealth,” Owlett said. “More and more human trafficking victims are kids who are going to school, participating in extracurricular activities and having dinner with their families…while also being groomed and exploited online.”

“Parents, grandparents, caregivers and members of the community need to understand exactly what human trafficking looks like today so we can protect our kids and put a stop to this heinous crime,” Pickett said. “It’s more important than ever to educate ourselves because this crime is happening right here, right now, right under our noses.”

The lawmakers noted the event is geared to parents and grandparents and is not recommended for young children due to the subject matter. However, parents may want to bring their teens as a way to start these difficult conversations so they can learn to protect themselves.

RSVPs are requested but not required. They may be made online at www.RepOwlett.com or www.RepPickett.com or by calling Owlett’s Wellsboro office at 570-724-1390 or Pickett’s Towanda office at 570-265-3124.