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St. Lucie County proclaims January 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Month; UACT outlines school and law‑enforcement training

Board of County Commissioners, St. Lucie County · January 28, 2026

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Summary

The board adopted Resolution 26‑005 proclaiming January 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Lynn Barletta of United Against Child Trafficking (UACT) and partners described a "Don't Take the Bait" curriculum and law‑enforcement training initiatives aimed at preventing online exploitation of children.

The Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 26‑005 declaring January 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Month in St. Lucie County by voice vote.

Following adoption, Lynn Barletta, founder and CEO of United Against Child Trafficking (UACT), thanked the board for support and described outreach and training the nonprofit provides. Barletta said the organization will introduce a "Don't Take the Bait" curriculum for students and teachers and urged expanded community training to help parents and educators recognize online risks.

Barletta warned that new automated technologies and bots increase exposure for children on gaming and social apps. "The new AI technology means that predators and traffickers are bombarding children thousands of times per second on trending gaming platforms like Roblox, through apps like Snapchat, ... Discord ... and many more," she said, urging broader training and awareness.

Chaplain David Thompson and other task‑force representatives described law‑enforcement training modules and intelligence partnerships aimed at identifying predators and supporting victim services. James Billick, who leads a retired law‑enforcement liaison, said UACT’s task force documents local arrests and works to expand training across jurisdictions.

The proclamation includes community awareness events and collaborations with schools and local agencies. The board encouraged posting and sharing the county’s resources and thanked UACT for its work; presenters invited board members and the public to follow up with questions and a photo opportunity.