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These are things we hear when it comes to sex trafficking in our city. Let's talk about what we know to be true when it comes to this issue and what that means for Wichita.

1. We don't know where Wichita (or any other city) ranks in terms of being the *BIGGEST SEX TRAFFICKING CITY IN THE WORLD!!* Yes, that is screaming. Yes it is over-sensationalized. Because that's what we see. The reality is, statistics on this issue are very hard to nail down. This is an under-reported crime. Communities are still catching up to speed with training to identify victims and there are many different ways of gathering and reporting the statistics, none of which are centralized. Polaris does a great job with stats of calls into the national hotline and that does give a bit of a broad overview of levels of activity around the country but it is not a comprehensive database of cases worked. It is based on the public and service providers calling in to the national hotline. Think of it this way- Butterball has a turkey hotline at Thanksgiving for people to call in and ask questions. They can then report how many calls they got about roasting, frying or brining a turkey from different cities around the country. But, they can't tell you how many people actually cooked turkeys. Some of those people that called may have been cooking enough turkeys for a small army and others may have chucked the whole idea and went out for Chinese food instead. But we could get a broad sense of what areas might be cooking the most turkeys based on the call volume for that area. Make sense?
2. The number of cases has jumped in Wichita in the last few years. This one is true. In 2014 we had 29 cases of trafficking that involved minors according to the Exploited and Missing Child Unit (EMCU) and in 2015 EMCU reported 65 cases. Why is this? Well, we don't believe there is more activity. We believe our community is getting better at identifying victims- which is a good thing. Over the last several years Wichita has really stepped up to the plate with training for law enforcement, social workers, medical providers and the community. Students are being provided with more and more prevention education through programs like Tell Your Friends.  More identified victims means more survivors healing and more perpetrators being held accountable. Of course, we hope to see those numbers drop as we get better and better at fighting this issue- hopefully to zero in the future- but, for now we are encouraged by the progress being made.
3. Wichita sits in the crosshairs because of the highways. Again, this one is true. But so do a lot of other cities. Major highways are a way for traffickers to move their victims around the country. So, naturally more access to highways may mean more activity in certain areas just based on proximity. But, we also know the internet reaches into every corner of our society. That means that vulnerable people are more accessible by traffickers than ever before through a "like", a friend request or a private message. This issue touches every part of our country and it happens in every community.
4. There is GREAT work being done in Wichita to fight trafficking. This is the absolute truth. The community is more aware of this issue than ever before and because of that, they are reaching out in more ways than ever before to support direct service providers. We have good laws around this issue in Kansas and they are evolving and growing as we learn more. We have a law enforcement community that is receiving training, training others and partnering with the community to link arms and fight this together. We have social service agencies that are looking at their services and how to expand and adapt them to survivors. Our medical providers are taking a proactive role in identifying victims in the hospital setting and providing proper care. Our schools are welcoming in prevention education for their students as well as their staff. Wichita has a phenomenal homeless youth drop in & Street Outreach Team at the OZ.  More resources are coming online for survivors in our community from the new Child Advocacy Center in Wichita opening later this summer to Clover House in Salina opening soon to provide residential care specifically addressing the needs of adolescent survivors. The new Wichita Children's Home opens later this month as well. Good, good stuff happening!

Trafficking is a huge issue with lots of moving parts and puzzle pieces to figure out. We're not there yet. There is a lot of work yet to be done, a lot of lessons yet to learn and a long road ahead. But when someone asks about what the trafficking issue means in Wichita, KS our hope is that you will focus on the efforts being made. Focus on the hard working people who are doing their best to give kids in our community a chance at a safe childhood. Focus on the strides made even in the last five years as we look back on where we've come from in terms of knowledge, resources and community partnerships. And then roll your sleeves up and figure out where you can help be part of the movement!

The post What you Need to Know About Sex Trafficking in Wichita appeared first on ICT SOS.

Welcome to the team Sara, Rula & Erika- it's going to be a great semester!

I am Sara Baltazar. I am a senior at Wichita State University working towards my Bachelors degree in Marketing with and emphasis in Real-Estate and a minor in communication. I like to read and spend time with family and friends.

Hello! My name is Rula Jamaleddine and I’m planning on graduating this May of 2016 with a Health Service Management Community Development (HSMCD) degree. I am 21 years old and I am really interested in community and any leadership development. When I first started college,  I was Pre-Med, I actually wanted to be an anesthesiologist ,  but soon after I realized I should probably not do something that I can’t even spell without Google and every time a needle comes up in a conversation I go into a fetal position. Long story short, it was definitely not for me so I decided to change my major to hospital administration and loving it so far. One day, I would love to be a CEO of a major hospital or even a huge corporation.  I am working at a preschool because I adore kids and it is probably because I act like a big kid most of the time and that is maybe why I get along with them so well. I also help out at Marcos Cantina, which is our family restaurant during the weekends. Some hobbies I enjoy doing is singing, it’s a big passion of mine, I have auditioned for different TV shows. Having grandparents that aren’t as fluent in English, I have had to speak with them in Arabic for all my life, so I have a good grasp on the language. I also enjoy watching movies, during my free time you will more than likely find me in a movie theater. I can’t wait to take part of this wonderful organization and bring more awareness as well as learn more through ICTSOS.

My name is Erika Rivera, I was born in Wichita Kansas and am currently working towards a Bachelors degree in Health Services Management at Wichita State University. I have worked in the healthcare field since 2008, beginning as a medical assistant and moving towards my current position as an assistant manager of an orthopedic surgeon's office. My future career goals are to become a healthcare director at either a local physicians office or hospital. However, gaining experience wherever I can help others, improve lives, and better the community will be my ultimate goal.

The post Meet the Spring 2016 Interns! appeared first on ICT SOS.

I have seen statistics stating that as high as 80% of trafficked youth have been in the child welfare system. To me, this says one thing: we need to do a better job of supporting foster agencies, foster parents and foster youth.

Children who have a sense of community, family and support are much less vulnerable to abusers and traffickers. So, how do we create that safety net? Here's a list of ideas:

• Be a foster parent!
• Be a respite provider. You don't have to be a full-time foster family. You can also provide occasional respite or emergency care.
• Serve as a foster care ambassador. (Contact valerie.leon@st-francis.org for info!)
• Be a support to a family that you know is fostering. (Provide meals, rides, babysitting)
• Throw a "Foster Shower" for new foster parents for items they will need. (Outlet plugs, cabinet locks, smoke detectors, etc)
• Send an encouraging note or small gift to a kiddo placed with someone you know.
• Call to check in with foster parents and ask how they are doing- let them vent if they need!
• Show up to games, concerts, events for fostering families- cheer LOUDLY.
• Host a donation drive for a foster agency for duffel bags, snacks, kids' books or other items they need.
• Volunteer at an agency's office.

The requirements to foster are fairly simple:

• 21 or older, married or single
• Complete MAPP training
• Pass a background check
• Have an additional source of income (outside of foster care reimbursement)
• Own or rent a suitable residence
• Be willing to work as a team member

There are several great agencies to work with in the Wichita area as well:

Saint Francis Community Services

Youthville

Wichita Children's Home

Salvation Army

TFI Family Services

The post May is Foster Care Awareness Month appeared first on ICT SOS.

A little over two years ago there was a human trafficking case profiled in the Wichita Eagle. The case involved a 13 year old victim. Her story was the catalyst for ICT S.O.S.. Today her story helped to change the laws in our state. Written and verbal testimony given in support of this bill cited her case along with other recent cases and research provided by local and national expert, Dr. Karen Countryman-Roswurm.

The Child Advocacy Center, Wichita Children's Home, DCF, Attorney General and District Attorney's offices all provided support for the bill along with others, including ICT S.O.S..

The bill passed the House today with a vote of 120-0 in its favor. Next, it will move on to the Governor for his signature.

This is not the end but a great step in the right direction. There is so much more work to be done but so many exciting things on the horizon. The Child Advocacy Center is looking to expand their services to victims, WSU will launch a new institute to combat this issue through research and education and our community efforts will continue to grow with this year's conference, Race 4 Freedom 5k and Rock the Market concert.

Thank you for writing letters, calling and emailing your legislators. Thank you for spreading the word and mostly, thank you for caring.

Join us this Tuesday April 9th for our monthly meeting. We'll have thank you cards to fill out for our Representatives as well as a letter to Governor Brownback urging him to sign this bill into law. We meet at 6pm at Mead's Corner on the second floor. More info HERE.

Let's take this victory in and keep on fighting!

The post New Human Trafficking Legislation Passed! appeared first on ICT SOS.

It's hard to believe we're coming up on our 2nd anniversary! A lot has happened in 2 short years and we have plans for even more.

Join us Sunday March 10th from 2-5pm at Mead's Corner to celebrate! We'll have cake, door prizes, info and entertainment.

If you'd like to contribute to our lending library, you can bring a book or dvd off of our Amazon Wishlist.

Or- if you would like to help us support Project Butterfly, you can bring any of the following items to Mead's Corner any time between now and party day:

Shampoo & Conditioner
Body Wash
Lotion
Razors & Shave Gel
Feminine Products
Deodorant
Brushes

Project Butterfly is a support group for survivors through the Wichita YWCA.

The post Happy 2nd Birthday to ICT S.O.S.! appeared first on ICT SOS.

This year we are proud to once again support efforts to stock the shelves for a couple of our favorite local agencies serving at-risk, homeless and runaway youth in our city. This population is at great risk for being exploited. Please consider picking up a few items off of these lists while you are doing your Christmas shopping and let's help out during this season of giving!

The OZ Drop-In Center is the city's only drop-in location specifically designed to serve homeless youth. Items for the OZ can be delivered to Carpenter Place Attn: ICT S.O.S 1501 N. Meridian. Or if you have a large donation for pick-up email info@ictsos.org.

The OZ Christmas Wish List

The Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County and the Wichita Exploited and Missing Children Unit work hand in hand to assist victims of child abuse, neglect, exploitation and sexual abuse. Officers and social workers often carry items with them to give comfort to a child or meet basic needs in times of crisis. Donations for these agencies can be delivered to Mead's Corner or either location of Scribbles & Giggles Children's Academy.

CAC/EMCU Christmas Wish List

And of course if you'd like to give an ICT S.O.S. tee or bracelet as a Christmas gift (and who wouldn't?) you can now order online!

The post ICT S.O.S. Christmas 2012 appeared first on ICT SOS.

Last night I got a phone call from one of the EMCU officers involved in the case. When I answered, he said, "I have some news that I think you're going to be pretty excited about." He went on to explain that the verdict had just come in for this young lady's trafficker. 3 counts of rape under Jessica's Law, 3 counts of human trafficking- guilty on all 6. Justice!

For the past year and a half or so, I have thought about this young woman. I never knew her name, didn't know what had happened to her. But I thought of her often and she continued to be a symbol to me of all the girls like her that we were working to create a better story for. Through prevention, support to local agencies, awareness and education we hope to create a city where this isn't allowed to happen to our young women.

Today I got another call. "Do you want to meet her?"

The officer had told her a little about ICT S.O.S. and this movement that had started because of her story. He asked if she'd like to meet me. She said yes.

We made arrangements to meet and I barely made it in the front door before the tears came. I got to share with her what has happened over the last year and a half. I showed her a picture of the 900+ people who ran in the Race for Freedom in September. We talked about the Rock the Market concert, the conference, the O.Z. drop-in center...all of the people in this city who have come together to fight this in hopes that it won't happen to other girls like her.

"All because of MY story?"

Yes, brave girl.

She is a vibrant, beautiful, bubbly teenager. Because of the work done by the officers, the DA's office, the social workers, judge and others involved in her case- she has a chance to be just that. A teenager. A girl with a future. A chance to be whatever she chooses.

And for me, all of the many hours of work on events, donation drives, the t-shirts and blog posts and Facebook updates...it all came down to a hug. I got to hug the girl who broke my heart before I ever knew her name. She has a face, she has a name, she has a future. And that makes my heart happy.

The post Full Circle appeared first on ICT SOS.

We'll kick things off with the Race for Freedom 5K Run/Walk on September 8th.

The next couple of weeks we'll host several documentary screenings. Info about films, times and locations can be found on our events page.

We'll wrap up the month with a 2-day conference featuring Elizabeth Smart as our keynote speaker. Info and registration forms can be found HERE.

And finally we're going to Rock The Market! A huge concert in Old Town's Farm and Art Market square will send the message to our entire city that our kids are NOT for sale!

With so many options- there is something for everyone. Each event will include chances to connect with other passionate people and local agencies working to end trafficking in Wichita!

The post September- Month of Awareness! appeared first on ICT SOS.

With special thanks to Cox Communications, we are welcoming Elizabeth Smart as our keynote speaker.

In addition to Elizabeth, we will hear from speakers from:

• Wichita Police Department
• OATH Coalition
• ICT S.O.S.
• Veronica's Voice
• Child Advocacy Center
• FBI
• Truckers Against Trafficking
• Many, many more!

For a full list of speakers and to register for the conference: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/33098983/2012%20Human%20Trafficking1.pdf

Registration is $35.00 and must be submitted no later than September 16, 2012.

Fees can be paid by check following instructions on the registration form or via Paypal at:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YKGBLU3GBF7MC

Sign up early- this is limited seating and may sell out!

The post Human Trafficking Conference 2012 appeared first on ICT SOS.

Wednesday, July 11!

This will be a Facebook Meetup/Tweetup donation drive for the Child Advocacy Center  & Exploited and Missing Children's Unit on Wednesday July 11.

11am-2pm
at Heroes Sportsbar in Old Town.

Stop by for lunch and drop off a donation!

If you would like to donate but can't make it to one of these two events, email info@ictsos.org and we can make arrangements!

View our Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/468596436503536/

The post Lunch Hour Tweetup/Facebook Meetup Donation Drive! appeared first on ICT SOS.