BATH -The next phase in protecting vulnerable youth in Steuben County will be launched Oct. 30 with a summit set for 8:30 - 11:45 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 6 E. Morris St. The Steuben Vulnerable Youth Summit is expected to involve the public and every community in Steuben in a movement to end the commercial and sexual exploitation of children under the age of 18. It marks a year-long effort by related county agencies to set the groundwork for a successful campaign to end abusive exploitation and help runaway and homeless youth. As in other counties across the state and nation, Steuben officials believe there are now unreported cases of sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in Steuben and more will be discovered through public awareness of the issue. Exploitation can occur when a child engages in sex or labor in exchange for something of value, or through force, fraud or coercion. The youth may even be told their survival depends on sexual favors or labor. "Many of these children don’t know they’re in harmful situations, or don’t know where to go for help," said campaign Coordinator Lisa Baker. "Many adults don’t know the problem even exists. It’s time to recognize this is a crisis for our children and make it stop." The summit will include speaker Deb Kuehner, founder and director of The Potter’s Hands Foundation in Corning, a panel presentation and a community discussion. "This is really the starting point, where our communities roll up their sleeves and come up with plans to stop the mistreatment of children," said county Youth Bureau Coordinator Bill Caudill. "Our advisory committee has been working with the state to lay the groundwork over the past several months, and we are eager to expand the conversation to include more schools, medical personnel, youth agencies, law enforcement, and other key contacts with youth in our communities. " The event is sponsored by the county Department of Social Services and county Youth Bureau and supported by the state Office of Children and Family Services. Reservations are requested by Oct. 26 (607) 664-2119 or by email to LBaker@steubencony.gov. Summit agenda:
- • 8:30 a.m. -- Registration and light breakfast
- • 9 a.m. -- Keynote address: Deb Kuehner
- • 10 a.m. -- Steuben Services panel
- • 11 a.m. – Community discussion and planning
