Date: April 6, 2023 – 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) host a quarterly Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices Meeting. This meeting aims to provide the most recent research and resources for people with mental health and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities to live an everyday life.
The topic for this session will be Human Trafficking – Human trafficking is defined as the unlawful act of transporting or coercing people to benefit from their work or service, typically in the form of forced labor or sexual exploitation. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in Pennsylvania. It can happen in any community and victims can be of any age, race, gender, or nationality. With the vulnerability of the individuals and clients served with mental health illnesses, developmental disabilities, and autism, our population is targeted for reasons such as psychological or emotional vulnerability, economic hardship, lack of a social net, and natural disaster. The trauma caused by the traffickers can be so great that many may not identify themselves as victims or ask for help.
For more information, click here to see the Event Flyer
