El Dorado County families and community members are invited to attend a free educational symposium:
“Keep Families Safe from Trafficking”
When: Saturday, October 25, 2025 · 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Green Valley Community Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville.
Hosted by the DRIVE4IMPACT Foundation.
Why this matters locally
The DRIVE4IMPACT Foundation describes its mission as empowering families and community members to identify signs of human trafficking and learn preventative measures.
The agenda shows the county sheriff and internet-crimes detectives participating, underscoring the collaborative local law-enforcement focus.
In recent county documentation, the High-Tech Crimes Unit of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged a significant backlog of child-exploitation and internet-crime leads, highlighting the ongoing risk.
What to expect at the symposium
Attendees will hear from:
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Ken Byrnes, host and founder of DRIVE4IMPACT
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Sheriff Jeff Leikauf of El Dorado County
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Detectives Aaron Cuddeback and Michael Muckerheide of the High Tech Crimes / Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
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Lieutenant Nate Grgich of the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force
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A survivor-panel discussion hosted by the The Diamond Collective
Participants will engage in one-on-one conversations with experts, hear personal stories from survivors, and receive education on recognizing warning signs of exploitation. DRIVE4IMPACT Foundation+1
A voice from law enforcement
Sheriff Leikauf’s office emphasizes the dual mission of enforcement and care for victims: the department’s vision says it is committed to “total care for victims, witnesses and the community.”
In his remarks on a separate operation, Leikauf affirmed, “The staff of the Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the safety of the citizens of El Dorado County.”
How families can benefit
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Learn concrete signs of trafficking, including online grooming, suspicious recruitment or shifts in behavior at home.
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Understand how high-tech and street-level exploitation often intersect.
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Build confidence in engaging with children and loved ones about safety without fear or stigma.
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Tap into law-enforcement and non-profit resources available locally.
Registration and attendance
The event is free and open to the public — families, caregivers, grandparents, youth mentors and community members are all encouraged to attend. Registration is available via Eventbrite. Eventbrite+1
Doors open at 10 a.m., and the program runs through 2 p.m. To make the most of the opportunity, organizers suggest arriving early.
Final note
Human trafficking may not always make headlines in El Dorado County, but law-enforcement officials affirm it’s a very real threat — especially in the online sphere. The upcoming symposium provides a timely chance for families to learn how to protect loved ones, act early, and connect with resources.
