L-R: Heather Hirdes (AMDSB Mental Health Lead), Kaitie Westbrook (HPCDSB Mental Health Lead), Dawson Currie (Victim Services of Huron County), Detective Staff Sergeant Phil Hordijk (OPP West Region), Detective/Sergeant Kim Hogan (Huron OPP)
The School Service Advisory Council (SSAC) Symposium for this year, was a collaborative effort led by the Mental Health Leads of Avon Maitland District School Board and Huron Perth Catholic District School Boards, in partnership with Huron Victim Services and the Ontario Provincial Police.
After a three-year hiatus, this year’s symposium focused on addressing concerns related to child exploitation and human trafficking in the West Region, with the primary goal of enhancing school-based practices.
Attendees had the opportunity to gain insights into legal definitions, consent, trauma-informed policing approaches, and regional trafficking statistics.
As we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10th, this initiative underscores the importance of establishing seamless navigation and service pathways for children and youth within the education system.
This collaborative effort builds upon the foundation laid during the Spring 2023 Caregiver Mini Series, where caregivers received education on topics such as human trafficking, online safety, and technology dependency.
Written by: K. Milhomens
