STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — Stuart Police partner with local nonprofit U-ACT to combat child trafficking and online predators.

Treasure Coast law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to prevent child trafficking as online predators find increasingly creative ways to target minors.

The Stuart Police Department has officially teamed up with the local nonprofit United Against Child Trafficking, also known as U-ACT, to gain a deeper understanding of these evolving digital threats. This collaboration aims to equip officers with the tools and knowledge needed to stop these predators in their tracks. During the announcement, those involved in the effort made their mission clear: “We have skin in the game, and we want to help these children.”

The threat is particularly pressing in Florida, which currently ranks third in the nation for reported human trafficking cases, a reality that is felt deeply in the city of Stuart. U-ACT founder Lynne Barletta emphasized that awareness is the first step toward effective prevention and safety.

“We want to prevent this from happening. And so it’s just so important to be able to have this information to be aware of. Because if you don’t know what’s going on, it could be happening in your next-door neighbor’s house. It could be happening to your own child,” Barletta told CBS12 News.

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The need for this training is underscored by a surge in local enforcement actions. Over the past 18 months, Treasure Coast law enforcement has made 60 arrests involving child exploitation. One of the most recent cases occurred last November, when the Martin County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 34-year-old man who allegedly intended to have sex with a minor. To stay ahead of these criminals, experts say it is vital to listen to the children themselves to identify how predators are shifting their tactics online.

James Billig, a law enforcement liaison for U-ACT with over three decades of experience, noted that children are often the most useful sources for uncovering the newest dangers.

“They’re letting us know what the latest trends are, so we can provide that information both to law enforcement and to parents, because parents are the first and last line of defense. When it comes to giving the protection of the education that children need. They’re walking into these traps, and they don’t even know it,” Billig explained.

While U-ACT gathers intelligence from law enforcement agencies worldwide, Stuart officials believe the local roots of the organization make it a uniquely effective partner. Lt. John Reddick of the Stuart Police Department pointed out that having a team comprised of familiar faces adds a layer of accountability and trust to the mission.

“A lot of the CEO and people on the staff are all local. They’re either local business owners or local law enforcement. Past, present. Retired. So we felt that, going with a local aspect, has a little more ties to the community,” Reddick said.

This specialized training is scheduled to begin next week. U-ACT is currently working to expand its reach by partnering with officials in Martin and St. Lucie counties to ensure a unified front across the Treasure Coast.