Pathways To Trauma

 Philadelphia Children's Alliance Presents 

Pathways to Trauma

Thursday, November 4, 2021, 9:00 am- 4:00pm

      As part of PCA's annual training for its multidisciplinary team (MDT) members in law enforcement and child welfare across the city, PCA offers a one-day conference on issues surrounding child victims of human trafficking (CVHT). The morning session on "Pathways to Trauma" will be presented by The Switch, a nationally-acclaimed anti-trafficking network. The afternoon session is a panel discussion with MDT partners, other city leaders who work directly with Philadelphia's youth, and survivors who bring lived experiences. Led by the award-winning Director of News and Community Affairs for iHeartMedia Philadelphia Loraine Ballard Morrill, the panel will examine the importance of trauma informed practices while working with trafficked youth, including medical and mental health support.

     This event is open to the public, and attendees may sign up for one or both sessions. While the conference is offered virtually via zoom, PCA's MDT members are encouraged to attend the training in person, but it is not mandatory. (Continental breakfast and lunch will be served for in-person attendees.)

CVHT Training presented by The SWITCH, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM 

CVHT Panel Discussion, 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Child Victims of Human Trafficking (CVHT) Training, 9am-12:30pm

Led by The Switch, the morning's training will provide law enforcement and child welfare professionals with in-depth details around how to tailor approaches to be trauma responsive and trauma informed when working directly with child victims of the commercial sex industry. Attendees will develop an understanding of the long-term impact that trauma has on victims and the potential to be re-exploited due to their ongoing vulnerabilities. Survivor-centered as well as victim-centered approaches are encouraged, as is examining the healing trajectory of victims as they move forward to becoming survivors in their communities. This session will also assess the ways in which trauma can impact all of us as service providers, and encourage us to think critically about better self-care in order to be as effective as possible when providing services and long-term care to child victims of human trafficking. 

Child Victims of Human Trafficking (CVHT) Panel Discussion, 1:30-4pm

Moderated by local radio host Loraine Ballard-Morrill, the afternoon's panel discussion brings PCA, its city partners, trafficked survivors from The Switch, and legislators together to discuss the importance of trauma-informed practices while working with trafficked youth. Candid conversation surrounding barriers to identifying child victims of human trafficking, common misconceptions of the issue, the value of survivors' voices who bring lived experiences to inform our work, and how Philadelphia's elected officials can assist with the fight to end trafficking are just some of the issues to be addressed during this afternoon session.

Speakers

Alea Cummings, CVHT Program Coordinator/Lead Therapist, Philadelphia Children's Alliance

Anish Raj, MD, Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellow, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Michelle Ludwig, MSW, Social Work Supervisor, Philadelphia Department of Human Services 

Det. Kathryn Gordon, SVU, Human Trafficking Unit

Representative Darisha K. Parker, PA House of Representatives

Dr. Marlene Carson, Founder & Executive Director, The Switch

Sheila White, Director of Education, The Switch

Jennifer Price, Director of Development, The Switch

Loraine Ballard Morrill, Director of News and Community Affairs for iHeartMedia Philadelphia, Panelist Moderator