The Lincoln County Coalition Against Child Abuse/Child Advocacy Center, the United Way of Lincoln County, the UNC School of Government, and the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission will conduct a workshop tomorrow (Thursday May 5th) at the James Warren Citizens Center.

The day-long introductory training session for local government persons who may encounter evidence of human trafficking will provide information about indicators of sex and labor trafficking to those attending. 87 people from the Dept. of Social Services, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and other agencies are registered to attend.

Speakers will include Margaret Henderson of the UNC School of Govt.; Shawna Pagano of Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center in Charlotte; Dr. Stacy Reynolds, Medical Director of Atrium Health's Trafficking Emergency Medical Advocacy Team; Danna Joy, Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Centers of North Carolina; and Rick Hoffman, an investigator with the Johnston County District Attorney's office.

Those working in law enforcement, DSS, school administration, first responders and public health workers have been invited. North Carolina is ranked 9th in the country in cases of human trafficking. In 2020, 260 cases were reported to the Human Trafficking Hotline.

It's estimated that over a quarter million underage girls are sold for sex in America each year. 71% of the human trafficking victims are girls and women.