CSEC Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Program

The FY 2019 Specialized Services and Mentoring for Child and Youth Victims of Sex Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Category 3 supports the efforts of eligible applicant organizations to increase the availability of programs focusing on girls involved in the juvenile justice system and prevention and early intervention strategies for girls vulnerable to sexual exploitation/domestic sex trafficking (SE/DST) and who are most likely to end up in the juvenile justice system. Under this category, OJJDP expects successful applicants to implement prevention and early intervention programs based upon best practices for girls vulnerable to becoming victims of SE/DST who are currently in the juvenile justice system; to provide direct support services and mentoring services to girls at risk of becoming victims of SE/DST; and to develop or enhance reentry strategies to help vulnerable girls on a path toward success, stability, and long-term contribution to society. This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. 11171–11172; Pub. L. No. 116–6, 133 Stat. 13, 115.

Community Solutions has worked in partnership with the County of Santa Clara Probation Department to address the needs of suspected and confirmed victims of CSE identified within the two juvenile detention facilities in Santa Clara County. The FY 2019 funding will increase the capacity to provide prevention and early intervention services to girls identified as at risk for sexual exploitation. Specific services will include crisis intervention, bi-yearly screening using the Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Identification Tool (CSE-IT), case management including provision of basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene, etc.), safety planning, goal planning, transportation, advocacy and accompaniment, and connection to referrals as needed. Continued training for professionals is integral to identification of youth at risk for or currently experiencing exploitation and will be provided to key stakeholders. Training targeted to probation officers, social workers, behavioral health staff, residential facility staff, and parents/caregivers will focus on the definition of sexual exploitation, identifiers, and engagement strategies. Education around services available to girls who are at risk for and are confirmed survivors of sexual exploitation will be provided to all juvenile probation service units each year. All girls who are screened and identified as at risk for sexual exploitation through the CSE-IT results and/or from the Prevention and Early Intervention unit at the County of Santa Clara Probation Department will be referred for voluntary services. Services will focus on strengthening connections to positive and/or natural supports, promoting the individual strengths of the youth, and decreasing risk factors for sexual exploitation and recidivism. This project has four specific goals: (1) work in collaboration with Juvenile Probation to ensure that girls at risk for and juvenile justice involved and who may also be at risk for or experiencing sexual exploitation are identified and connected to appropriate prevention services; (2) provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, individualized advocacy and supportive services to approximately 200 system-involved at-risk girls; (3) provide long-term follow-up to 100 of the 200 girls served; and (4) provide training and technical assistance to systems and providers that work with at-risk girls. Engagement, short-term, and long-term outcomes related to services will be measured using program evaluations. CA/NCF