How to Identify and Support Human Trafficking Victims

Pro Bono Counseling

2022 Professional Continuing Education Online Webinar

How to Identify and Support Human Trafficking Victims

Friday, December 2, 2022, from 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM

Online Workshop - Three (3) CE Credits

Fee: $39/person

FREE for Active PBC Volunteer Clinicians

Featured Presenters: Alexandra VanDress, TurnAround, and Sergeant Deborah Flory, Maryland State Police

Session Description: Human Trafficking is the trade of humans, most commonly for the purpose of sexual slavery, forced labor, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others. This course is an introduction to human trafficking by utilizing a trauma informed approach from both a case management team and law enforcement perspective. It will cover basic information surrounding law enforcement effectively investigating and combating this crime. This training will provide mental health clinicians with a better understanding of the assessment tools to use in identifying clients who may be at risk of trafficking. Participants will leave this training better equipped to serve and provide resources to potential clients who have been victims of Human Trafficking.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Discuss how to assess for trafficking using a trauma informed approach
• Identify common vulnerabilities that make individuals at risk for trafficking
• List key indicators and traits of Human Traffickers
• Explain the mandated reporting laws in Maryland
• Discuss the resources available to provide continued support for survivors

Presenter Bio: Alexandra VanDress, TurnAround Inc.

Alexandra VanDress is the Baltimore County Human Trafficking Regional Navigator at TurnAround Inc. and has over 8 years of experience working with victims of sexual assault, intimate partner violence and human trafficking. She has a passion for working with this population and helping individuals understand and navigate the different services that are offered to them. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Northern Colorado and has a background in trauma-informed care and outreach to help educate the community on the complexity of both sex and labor trafficking. She believes that it is imperative that survivors feel supported through each step of their journey and to offer them various opportunities for supportive services that could assist. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband exploring the DMV area with their adorable mini goldendoodle puppy.

Presenter Bio: St. Debbie Flory, Maryland State Police

Sgt. Debbie Flory has been with the Department of the State Police since 1996. She is currently assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division’s Child Recovery Unit. Sgt. Flory is the Amber Alert coordinator, the Silver Alert Coordinator, and the international abductions liaison for the U.S. Department of State / Children’s issues. Sgt. Flory uses her computer skills and cell phone knowledge to track and locate critical missing and abducted children in Maryland. Selected to be a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Crimes Against Children Task Force/Special Deputy-US Marshal with full Federal Authority focusing on the Human Trafficking of juveniles.

Workshop registrants will receive a code prior to the webinar to log on to Zoom and participate in the online session.

IMPORTANT: Attendance will be monitored. Participants must be logged on to the meeting by the workshop start time and participate in the entire event in order to earn CE credit.

Pro Bono Counseling is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Pro Bono Counseling maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Maryland Boards of Social Work Examiners and Professional Counselors and Therapists certify that this program meets the criteria for three (3) credit hours of continuing education for social workers (Category 1), professional counselors, and therapists (Category A) licensed in Maryland.

CE credit is granted to participants with documented attendance at individual workshops. Attendance is monitored. Credit will not be granted to registrants who log on late or depart early from a session. It is the responsibility of registrants to comply with these requirements.

By registering for this event, all participants agree to abide by the following code of conduct:

Workshop Code of Conduct

Pro Bono Counseling (PBC) is dedicated to providing a positive continuing education experience for everyone of all backgrounds and identities. We do not tolerate disrespectful behavior or harassment of workshop participants, facilitators, or PBC staff in any form. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of characteristics that include but are not limited to: gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, citizenship, veteran status, pregnancy status, race, ethnicity, or religion. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, PBC may take any action it deems appropriate, including warning or expelling the offender from the event with no refund.