The Indiana Youth Institute plans to conduct a forum about human trafficking from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Monroe County Community School Corp.’s Education Resource Center CoLab, 553 E. Miller Drive, Bloomington.

The purpose of the event is to help school counselors, teachers, 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, according to a news release from the institute.

Tracy McDaniel, the founder and CEO of Restored, will discuss what human trafficking encompasses, where and how it happens, who is targeted, and how to identify victims and those at risk of becoming victims.

McDaniel previously worked as the human trafficking program care coordinator for the Julian Center. She also is a core member of the IPATH task force and co-chairs the victim service committee with the FBI.

As part of the institute’s Youth Worker Café program, the forum and lunch are free, but reservations are required.

To make a reservation, visit iyi.org/ywc or contact IYI statewide outreach manager Debbie Jones via email at [email protected].

Youth Worker Cafés are designed to bring together youth workers to build relationships and inspire collaborations that will benefit children.

Monroe County Asset Building Coalition is helping the institute organize the forum, which is funded in part by the Old National Bank Foundation and the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County.