WARSAW — Human trafficking is the fastest growing, second-largest criminal enterprise in the world, generating an estimated $150 billion annually. The toll it takes on its victims lasts a lifetime, especially when those victims are young children.

In an effort to help educators, parents, youth ministers and others who work with children better understand how to identify human trafficking and the traumatic impact it has on young people, the Indiana Youth Institute is teaming up with the Kosciusko County Community Foundation and United Way of Kosciusko County to host a free forum on the issue.

The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, in the downstairs community room of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, 102 E. Market St., Warsaw.

Ian Hurst is the regional coordinator for the Indiana Trafficking Victim Assistance Program’s northwest region, a division of the Indiana Youth Services Association. Hurst will speak to attendees about what human trafficking encompasses, where and how it happens, who is targeted and how to identify victims and those at risk of becoming victims. Attendees also will learn how to report suspected trafficking cases.

As part of IYI’s Youth Worker Café program, the forum and lunch are free but reservations are required. RSVP here. If you have trouble with the link, contact IYI Statewide Outreach Manager Debbie Jones via email at [email protected].

Youth Worker Cafés are designed to bring together local youth workers to build relationships and inspire collaborations that will benefit children. For more information, contact IYI Northeast Indiana Outreach Manager Juanita Goodwell at [email protected].