Around 25 parents, educators, business and civic leaders met recently at Carousel Works for a lunch and learn luncheon sponsored by Big Lake Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Sherburne County Area United Way (SCAUW).

Patti Hetrick, budget director at Anoka County volunteered her time to share her experiences as an adoptive mother in Sherburne County of a three-year-old, an eleven-year-old and two siblings aged eight and five who have all grown to adults.

“My children had adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) before they came to live with my husband and I,” Hetrick shared.  “These included physical, sexual, emotional and substance abuse and their family members had mental health issues.

“Unfortunately, these ACEs do not go away as they become teenagers and adults,” Hetrick noted.  “They are anxious, have tried to commit suicide and even been violent. Children with ACEs often become juvenile delinquents and a very large percentage end up in jail. Twice as many teen girls in foster care become pregnant than other teens and 74% of adults in prison came from foster homes.”

Kate LePage, regional navigator of the Central MN Safe Harbor program of Lutheran Social Services in Brainard shared the reality of sex trafficking in this area.  Both girls and boys are victims and the average age is 15 years old.

“Help is available for any youth under 18,” pointed out LePage, “who exchanges sex, sexual pictures or videos for a place to stay, food, money, drugs, alcohol or even being a part of a gang.  Often youth don’t see themselves as victims because they initially consented to it.

“Traffickers can make up to $100,000 off one child. “ LePage continued, “ They can be wealthy men, grandmas and even cheerleaders.  Buyers are often middle-aged white men who travel 30 miles away during lunch hours or after work.  They generally become first addicted to pornography and over time they need more.”

LePage noted that trafficking can occur at sporting events, motels and even ice fishing houses.  Warning signs of victims are youth who wear inappropriate or expensive clothes, are isolated, have brandings or tattoos and are on many and inappropriate websites.

She recommended parents, teachers and friends communicate with their youth that they don’t need to “have everyone like them on social media.”  The number of social media sites should be limited. Parents should also develop a contract with their child, identifying rules and guidelines on phone and Internet use.

Executive Director Joy Nadeau informed the group that SCAUW’s new mission is “strengthening and empowering vulnerable youth in their communities of Big Lake, Elk River, Nowthen, Otsego, Princeton, Santiago and Zimmerman.

“In addition to giving grants to non-profit organizations, “ Nadeau continued, “we provide one-day events called Community Connect, which connects individuals and families with area resources.”  The next event is scheduled at Elk River High School Oct. 17 from 10-2 pm with free lunch.  Tri-Cap bus service may be available.

SCAUW funds Empower Youth Programs in the Big Lake, Elk River and Princeton schools, a before/after program for shy and quiet youth to better communicate, gain self-confidence and self –reliance and become a leader.

“We as a community cannot tolerate any adverse behavior to our youth! “ Hetrick concluded, “If you see a vulnerable youth, do something.  Intervene.  Prevent abuse. Get involved with the child, report any concerns you have, volunteer with organizations helping youth and donate to their cause.”