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FBI Honors Colorado's 'Restore Innocence' For Human Trafficking Prevention

DENVER (CBS4) - In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Denver branch of the FBI recognized an organization for trying to do just that.

The organization Restore Innocence is designed to provide a sanctuary for victims of human trafficking. They're dedicated to helping victims get out and get on with the rest of their lives.

Jason and Michelle Korth are the founders and directors of Restore Innocence. They are also opening another facility to help the most vulnerable.

"Wildflower Ranch will be specifically targeting female survivors of human trafficking age range 13 to 17 and will have the ability to house up to eight girls," Jason Korth said.

safely home blankets
"Safely Home" blankets (credit: CBS)

The local chapter of the FBI Citizen's Academy Alumni Association presented the organization with 100 "Safely Home" blankets. FBI Special Agent in Charge Tom Ravanelle says the key to helping law enforcement prevent human trafficking is education.

"The more you educate the public the more the public gets involved with groups like this," Ravanelle said.

But Sgt. Dan Steele with the Rocky Mountain Innocence Lost Task Force says he doesn't understand why people are still surprised to hear human trafficking is a problem in Colorado.

"So it is kind of shocking to me that people are not alert and awake to the problem," Steele said.

Steele says more organizations like Restore Innocence are needed. He urges parents to pay more attention to what their children are involved in and what their children are doing on social media.

Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
The Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month proclamation (credit: CBS)

Gov. John Hickenlooper issued a proclamation making January 2015 Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

LINK: Restore Innocence

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