As we head into the fall, we’re excited to share important updates, resources, and upcoming opportunities to connect. This month’s newsletter features details about the Response to Recovery Conference, a free two-day event bringing together professionals dedicated to protecting children and supporting survivors of abuse and exploitation. If you haven’t registered, make sure to do so today!
You’ll also find highlights from the Parent Leadership Summit, updates on the Regionalized Human Trafficking Recovery Taskforce (RHTRT) and their recent trainings, and practical back-to-school prevention tips to support children and families. We hope these stories and resources inspire, inform, and strengthen the work we all share in building safer communities for kids.
Response To Recovery Conference
Make Sure to Register Today!
Date: September 23-24, 2025
Location: Connecticut Convention Center-100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103
Visit our Website and Register Today!
About: Join us for this free, two-day event designed for professionals dedicated to protecting children and supporting survivors of abuse and exploitation.
The Response to Recovery Conference brings together law enforcement, child welfare professionals, advocates, prosecutors, and other key stakeholders to share knowledge, strategies, and best practices in responding to child abuse and human trafficking.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, this conference provides valuable insights and resources to help improve outcomes for children and survivors in your community. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and advance your impact in protecting vulnerable youth and supporting survivors of abuse.
Space is limited! If you have already registered for the conference but are unable to attend, please email eleanor@ctchildrensalliane.org to cancel your registration.
Speaker Highlight: Yanique Grant Buchanan
Yanique Grant-Buchanan, LCSW, is a dynamic trauma therapist and founder of Courage to Be LLC, where she helps people heal and thrive through identity and race-based trauma work. A powerful advocate and educator, she also co-founded the CT BIPOC Mental Health and Wellness Initiative to bring community-centered healing and support.
Conference Opportunities
There is still time to become a Sponsor : By partnering with us, you’re not just supporting a conference, you’re investing in meaningful change that reaches far beyond the event itself. Your sponsorship helps drive impact, inspire action, and support lasting outcomes for children, families, and the professionals who serve them across Connecticut. Join us in making a difference. Learn more about how you can get involved today!
From the Taskforce (RHTRT)
The Regionalized Human Trafficking Recovery Taskforce (RHTRT) spent August partnering with law enforcement and prosecutors to strengthen the fight against human trafficking. In collaboration with Moms in Security, we hosted a two-day training led by retired detective and nationally recognized expert Heidi Chance, covering patrol response, victim interviews, suspect interrogations, case building, and money laundering. RHTRT members also attended the Crimes Against Children Conference in Dallas, engaging in four days of advanced strategies to combat trafficking in the digital age.
In addition, our mid-year data highlights the important work we’ve been doing, including supporting 32 survivors and their families—most of them teen girls (ages 13–17) who have experienced multiple forms of victimization.
Training and Awareness
In partnership with Moms in Security, RHTRT hosted a two-day training for law enforcement and prosecutors, led by retired detective Heidi Chance.
Sessions covered Patrol Recognition and Response, Interrogating Suspects, Interviewing Victims, Building a Successful Case for Prosecution, and Money Laundering. Participants included officers from 17 local departments, three State’s Attorney’s Offices, and both tribal and state police.
A nationally recognized speaker and trainer, Heidi draws on her experience as an undercover human trafficking detective to deliver powerful, real-world education. Using case studies, she equips audiences to recognize trafficking indicators, understand victim realities, and navigate the challenges facing law enforcement and child welfare. Passionate about raising awareness and driving change, Heidi is dedicated to helping communities and professionals respond effectively to the growing sex trafficking problem.
Members of RHTRT attend the Dallas Crimes Against Children Conference
Law enforcement, advocates, prosecutors, and others participated in four days of learning practical skills and methodologies for combatting human trafficking in the digital world. RHTRT members attended workshops such as TikTok for Law Enforcement, School Shooters and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Using Spotlight to Identify Juvenile Sex Trafficking Victims, Closing Gaps in Labor Trafficking, Snapchat Safety 101, Victims of Female Sex Offenders, Social Media Investigative Techniques, and more.
Mid-Year Impact (January-June 2025)
Every number tells a story. This year, RHTRT Advocates have supported 32 survivors and their families, most of them teen girls ages 13–17, nearly all of whom experienced multiple forms of victimization. Among those served:
- 100% were female
- 95% faced poly-victimization
- 74% were suspected or confirmed victims of sex trafficking
- 71% identified as Hispanic or African American.
These figures reflect not just statistics, but real lives impacted, and they underscore why our work remains vital in helping survivors heal, reclaim safety, and move forward with hope. These numbers highlight both the urgent need for action and the critical role RHTRT plays in supporting vulnerable youth.
PCA-CT Prevention Updates
PSA From Prevent Child Abuse America
Prevent Child Abuse America created a new TVPSA “Not a Bad Parent Problem.” This message underscores an important truth: child abuse and neglect are not a ‘bad parent’ problem—they are often the result of a lack of resources. Preventing abuse means keeping families out of crisis, and that starts by investing in families before emergencies arise. Families need support, stability, and a caring community—not judgment. Watch the PSA now and help us share the message: every child and family deserves the resources they need to thrive.
Back to School: Establishing Healthy Routines
As August comes to a close, it’s a reminder that back-to-school season is just around the corner. In the latest PCA-CT Newsletter, discover practical tips to help your child establish healthy routines as summer winds down.
From balanced eating and smooth transitions back to school, to supporting learning at home, this edition is packed with strategies to set your child up for success. These resources are designed to support both parents and professionals in fostering environments where children can thrive. Please take a moment to read and share these resources with families in your community.
CT Parent Leadership Summit: Registration Now Open
Join us for a dynamic day designed to elevate and empower parent voices in prevention and advocacy across Connecticut. The Parent Leadership Summit will bring together families, caregivers, and community leaders to share strategies, build connections, and inspire action.
Check out the information flyer and click to register.
Date: October 11, 2025
Location: Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
Want more information on the Summit? Visit the website for all the latest.
