A Campaign Against the Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 3, 2011

LANCASTER COUNTY (May 3, 2011) – Today, Lancaster County Board of Commissioners announced the formation of a task force charged with implementing a countywide Campaign Against the Sexual Exploitation and abuse of Children: Lancaster County C.A.S.E. 

The mission of the Lancaster County C.A.S.E. Task Force is to engage the Lancaster County community in protecting our children from sexual exploitation and abuse and to empower all victims to speak out against their offenders through public awareness and community education.  Commissioner Scott Martin and Bethany Woodcock, Assistant Director of the Lancaster County Council of Churches, Co-Chair this initiative.

 “Some of the most heinous crimes committed against a child are sexual exploitation and sexual abuse,” stated Commissioner Martin.  “These crimes, which cross all demographics, deprive children of their childhood, rob them of their future, and send adverse affects rippling through our entire community.”

Since 2006 more than 1,500 Lancaster County children have been referred to the Lancaster County Children’s Alliance (LCCA).  As the children’s advocacy center in Lancaster, LCCA provides forensic interviews and medical examinations in the case of suspected abuse. 

“These numbers are startling,” commented Commissioner Martin.  “Forming a task force of committed area leaders to determine how we as a community can help our most vulnerable victims fight against these crimes seemed to be a natural first step in addressing this issue in Lancaster County.”

Introduced by Commissioner Martin, the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners passed a Resolution to partner with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to create the Lancaster County C.A.S.E. Task Force.  “This is a countywide problem that cripples our most vulnerable assets-our children,” stated Commissioner Dennis Stuckey.  “I am pleased to support this initiative and applaud each member of the Task Force for agreeing to bring their unique perspective to the table.”  

“The Lancaster County C.A.S.E. Task Force is comprised of members from a diverse array of community backgrounds,” explained Commissioner Lehman.  “We are thankful for their leadership in protecting our children and educating our community.”  Task Force members include representatives from: Lancaster County Commissioners’ Office, Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency, Lancaster County Juvenile Probation and Parole, Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center, Lancaster County Information Technology, Congressman Joseph R. Pitts’ Office,  Lancaster County Association of Township Supervisors, Lancaster County Boroughs’ Association, Lancaster County Chiefs of Police Association, Lancaster County Children’s Alliance, PA State Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking, Lancaster County Council of Churches, Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lancaster General Health, Lancaster Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13, Lancaster Newspapers, Millersville University, Spanish American Civic Association, Water Street Ministries and the YMCA.

“It is humbling that so many committed individuals and entities have stepped up to be a part of this initiative in its beginning stages”, stated Commissioner Lehman.  “It is their diverse backgrounds that are laying the groundwork for an effective campaign.  As Lancaster County C.A.S.E. unfolds, however, it will require the contributions of every citizen, organization, and business and we hope that the entire community will choose to be involved.” 

“I asked Ms. Woodcock to help lead this Countywide charge based on her experience and commitment in the fight against human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children at the international, national and local levels,” explained Commissioner Martin. “I am grateful that she accepted and continue to be inspired by her unyielding obligation to this cause.”  

“Our first action was to develop a website to serve as an informational hub, or a tool-belt, for citizens, parents and victims to use to learn about the issue and ways to get help”, explained Co-Chair Woodcock.   “We encourage every citizen to visit www.LancasterCountyCASE.org  to learn about the issues and safety measures so that we as a community can offer the children the greatest protection.”

To kick-off their public awareness campaign, the Lancaster County C.A.S.E. Task Force will host a poster contest for children in grades K-12, which will run from May 3, 2011-May 23, 2011.  The 2011 contest theme, “I Only Get One Childhood”, asks children to draw a picture that represents what it is like for them to be a child on any given day.   “We hope that this contest will provide a means for children to express themselves and provide an opportunity for parents to discuss safety issues with their children in a format they feel suitable”, stated Ms. Woodcock.  Complete poster contest rules can be found at www.LancasterCountyCASE.org or by calling 717-295-2058.

“Our children are our most valuable assets and protecting them should be our number one priority”, stated Commissioner Martin.  “Through public education and awareness, I believe that we as a community can band together to send a resounding message that the sexual exploitation and abuse of any child in Lancaster County simply will NOT be tolerated.  I hope every citizen will choose to join us in these efforts.” 

For additional information about this campaign or the 2011 Poster Contest, please visit www.LancaterCountyCASE.org  or call 717-295-2058.