Children’s Advocacy Network is Raising Awareness Throughout the Month of January for National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Children’s Advocacy Network (CAN) is raising awareness and calling our community into action against child trafficking and exploitation as they focus on the new year ahead. In recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month, CAN is coordinating a social media campaign and calling on Central Louisiana to participate in taking action through the following activities:

• #WearBlueDay : On January 11th, CAN is participating in #WearBlue day – a National Human Trafficking Awareness Day that is recognized each year on January 11th. In recognition of this important day, join us to raise awareness on human trafficking. We invite the public to take photos of themselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing and share them on social media – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – along with tagging @childrensadvocacynetwork and use #WearBlueDay hashtag to join in raising awareness in Cenla and beyond! Anyone can participate, all you need is a piece of blue clothing!

• For Caregivers : On January 31st, CAN is hosting #NotANumber Caregiver Course that will be offered to a limited number of caregivers for an in person course, and virtually to those who register. Registration will open January 11th. This is an introductory course that is geared toward parents and adults who care for youth. Participants will learn how to protect youth and recognize signs of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Registration forms will be found online at www.childrensadvocacy.net , and on CAN’s Facebook page.

• Help share information posted on CAN’s social media platforms and sent through email! Knowing and learning more is the key to prevention and keep our children and youth safe! Find CAN on Facebook and Instagram (@childrensadvocacynetwork). Sign up for their email list at www.childrensadvocacy.net.

Children’s Advocacy Network has taken steps to help improve Central Louisiana’s response to the issue of child trafficking and exploitation since 2018 when the agency welcomed the Child Trafficking Coordinator position. Since then, their dedication to keep our youth and children safe continued by implementing a Trafficking Task Force, adding a second Trafficking Coordinator position, making collaborative efforts with our community to implement a curriculum into our schools to educate the youth, and striving to raise awareness and educate our community at large!

We must be relentless in the pursuit of child and youth safety. We believe that together we CAN #BeTheChange and prevent child trafficking and exploitation. Follow us all month long to learn and take action.