An estimated 600,000 to 800,000 men, women and children are subjected to human trafficking across international borders each year, according to a presentation at the Nov. 7 Safe Harbour Conference.

The conference addressed trafficking and exploitation of youth in Oswego County and consisted of workshops and speeches presented by law enforcement and offices within the community.

The event was held at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center in Oswego. Approximately 250 people were in attendance, including school personnel, mental health professionals and other professionals working with youth.   

“We had members of law enforcement, prosecutors and school staff, knowing that everyone in Oswego County is recognizing that this is a problem and that we are in it together,” said Stacie France, community response coordinator at Services to Aid Families of Oswego County Opportunities.

Oswego County Legislator and Chairman of the Human Services Committee Dan LeClair presented at the conference in the first workshop of the day, Essential Steps of Healing for a Victim of Sexual Exploitation.

“I think it’s huge that we’ve heard from people who are on the front lines involved in this and encouraging a kind of rallying cry to those that are involved to keep up the good work,” LeClair said.

The conference consisted of three separate workshops with different options for participants to attend throughout the day.

The goal of the conference was to inform the public of the issues and support systems available.

“If there’s one case, if there’s one child… it’s too many,” LeClair said.

Oswego State partnered with the Oswego City County Youth Bureau in hosting the event, where a grant was applied and approved in funding the conference.

“Getting the word out as to the whole concept of Safe Harbour and letting students know that if something happens that there is something to do and there are places to go.. that this is something that we need to be aware of,” said Executive Director of the youth bureau Brian Chetney.

Oswego State students of all majors that are planning to work with the public can benefit in attending and getting involved with the conference each year, France said.

“Knowing what trafficking is, knowing how to approach the issues with sensitivity towards victims is incredibly important,” France said.

Stacey Alvord, commissioner of social services, announced during the conclusion of the conference that the New York State Office of Children and Family Service will increase Oswego County’s funding to $50,000 next year.

“And so I think as we go down this path, and this journey together, we need to remind ourselves, it is the relationship that heals,” Alvord said. “And you may at some point in your professional career have that opportunity to build a relationship that is going to make a difference.”