HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - J. RYDINGSWORD

Approve support letter for additional funding for Commercially Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) services and resources.

SBC FILE NUMBER: 130

The San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency would like to request the Board of Supervisors approve a support letter regarding an additional budget request of $19.7 million in state General Funds for fiscal year 2016-17 to protect and serve child victims of commercial sexual exploitation through California’s child welfare services system.  Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a national and statewide epidemic that deserves our highest attention. Additional support is needed to enable child welfare agencies to effectively meet new federal mandates and serve the needs of this unique population.

This budget request for an additional $19.7 million will enable all counties to implement the mandates of both state law as well as the recent federal law, Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act.  Of that request, $3.5 million is targeted for training to both Probation and Child Welfare workers to help meet their mandates and provide specialized services, in coordination with local partner agencies.  This proposal is complimentary to other CSEC budget proposals, as these funds are only intended to provide services to children who are served through the child welfare system.  Funding is also needed to support local nonprofit organizations serving children not involved in child welfare, adults and other human trafficking victims.

While our county child welfare agency has made strides to serve this population, we have found that CSEC victims suffer from horrific and severe forms of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. This results in severe trauma to the victim that requires intensive services to protect the victim from their perpetrators and help them in their long journey to recovery. Effectively serving the CSEC population requires that services are delivered through a targeted and multi-disciplinary approach.

1. Approve support letter for additional funding of CSEC services and resources on behalf of the San Benito County Board of Supervisors.

1. Authorize the Board Chair to sign said support letter for the additional funding of CSEC programs.