On March 6, 2026, Vanguard University and the Orange County Department of Education will host a vital conference, Ensure Justice 2026, aimed at tackling the pressing threats facing today’s youth. With issues like labor trafficking, online predation, gang involvement, and unhealthy relationships on the rise, this event seeks to unite families, educators, and community leaders for meaningful discussions.
The conference will provide strategies backed by research to help combat youth exploitation. By focusing on how traffickers and predators operate, organizers aim to equip adults with knowledge on protecting young people. Key sessions will highlight warning signs of gang recruitment and harmful relationships while also encouraging resilience and informed decision-making.
Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean emphasizes the need for collective action. “Strengthening awareness and collaboration among schools, families, and community partners creates safer spaces for our students,” he says.
This year’s theme, “Resilient and Ready: Building Youth Who Stand, Speak, and Lead,” affirms the importance of prevention and youth empowerment. Attendees will hear from experts across various fields, including researchers, law enforcement, and youth advocates, during lectures and workshops.
Dr. Sandra Morgan, executive director of the Global Center for Women and Justice, underscores the complexity of these challenges but remains hopeful. “Prevention is possible when communities unite,” she states. “We hope to offer practical tools for families and educators to use right away.”
In recent surveys, nearly 60% of parents expressed feeling unprepared to address these issues with their children, highlighting the need for such educational initiatives. Moreover, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, reports of online exploitation have increased drastically in the past few years, making awareness more crucial than ever.
Ensuring justice for youth isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a collective effort. Ensure Justice 2026 aims to empower those involved in youth development with the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle these challenges head-on. The conference will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., with free registration available for parents, teachers, and faculty using a discount code. University students can also benefit from reduced rates. For more details, visit gcwj.org.
