Talbot County proclaims January 2025 Human Trafficking Awareness Month; For All Seasons outlines local services

The Talbot County Council unanimously approved a proclamation declaring January 2025 National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and heard a presentation from For All Seasons about local prevention, victim services and training for mandated reporters.

The proclamation, read into the record by the county secretary, cited national and state-level measures and local reports on suspected child trafficking. Council members voted “aye” to adopt the proclamation without recorded opposition.

For All Seasons, a regional behavioral health and crisis services nonprofit, told the council it serves the Mid-Shore from seven offices and by telehealth, and that it was designated by the governor’s office as the Mid‑Shore regional navigator for human trafficking. “My name is Katie and I’m vice president of marketing communications at For All Seasons,” Katie said, describing the agency’s counseling, psychiatry and victim-support services. The organization said it connects survivors and families to services regardless of ability to pay and language barriers.

Lauren, the Mid‑Shore regional navigator at For All Seasons, told the council the regional role includes coordinating cross‑jurisdictional cases and educating mandated reporters. “Part of it is because there was a law that was passed that mandates that any mandated reporter... must report suspected cases of human trafficking to a regional navigator like us or to DSS and law enforcement and then they report to us,” she said, urging professionals who work with children to take the free online training the agency offers for mandated reporters.

For All Seasons said the training launched in the fall and has enrolled more than 120 people; it covers Maryland trafficking law, signs and indicators, who is a mandated reporter, and reporting procedures. The presenters noted one legal change that took effect in October 2024 expanding Maryland’s trafficking definition to include labor trafficking, a point the presenters said is relevant to local agriculture and aquaculture.

The presenters also stressed that, under Maryland law and the agency’s screening practice, anyone under 18 who exchanges sex for something of value is considered a trafficking victim regardless of coercion. For All Seasons gave the council its main hotline, (410) 822-1018, and the agency website, ForAllSeasonsInc.org, as contact points available day or night. Katie said callers to the main number will reach For All Seasons at any hour.

Council action: the council approved the proclamation by voice vote. Council member Callahan, Council member Stapp, Council member Lesher, Council member Milkey and Council member Hayes each voted “aye.” The motion passed and the proclamation was signed and presented during the meeting.

Why it matters: County officials and local service providers said raising awareness and training mandated reporters improves detection and referral of victims to services, and that a regional navigator helps bridge gaps between jurisdictions, law enforcement and social services. The council’s proclamation signals local support for public awareness and for the services outlined by For All Seasons.

The presentation materials and the free mandated‑reporter course are available through For All Seasons; the agency asked that professionals and community members use the hotline or website to report concerns or request resources.