School board offers resources to combat sex trafficking in Burlington, Oakville, Milton
Published March 24, 2023 at 10:16 am
About 30 per cent of sex trafficking victims in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills are between the ages of 13 and 18.
That’s why the Halton District School Board (HDSB) is providing families with information and resources to address and prevent sex trafficking.
“The HDSB is committed to upholding and championing human rights and this is embedded in so much of what we do every day,” said Jennifer Fowler, Superintendent of Education.
“Through the HDSB’s 2020-2024 Strategic Multi-Year Plan, we incorporate principles of equity and inclusive education into all aspects of our operations, structures, policies, procedures, guidelines and practices, consistent with the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code.”
The Ontario Ministry of Education is requiring school boards to educate students and staff about sex trafficking and promote safety by taking meaningful, culturally-responsive and consistent action to prevent and respond to issues of safety and inappropriate behaviours.
The HDSB’s anti-sex-trafficking webpage has resources and information about the steps being taken by the Board to recognize, prevent and respond to sex trafficking.
Videos
Families can find video resources that cover three important topics:
- Anti-sex-trafficking awareness for parents/guardians
- Interview with parent of a sex trafficking survivor
- Student personal devices and online safety
The webpage also includes the Halton Anti-Sex Trafficking School Board Protocol, Administrative Procedure: Anti-Sex Trafficking, and information about annual staff training and education in the HDSB.
“As a Board, we have been actively partnering with community groups and school boards across the region to address the unique and specific needs of our Halton community. Action by schools, families and community partners together will help prevent, identify and recognize sex trafficking to act quickly to ensure appropriate interventions.”
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising