Noozhawk featured an article on the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), following a presentation on the topic to the Board of Supervisors by District Attorney Joyce Dudley. The article quoted Dudley, as well as Lisa Conn of the Dept of Behavioral Wellness, and Devin Drake of DSS.
Also known sex trafficking, CSEC has been identified by the FBI as an issue on the Central Coast. A county CSEC task force was formed in 2013, and produced a report in June 2015. Most survivors in the county are girls ages 11-18 with histories of trauma back to childhood, who have grown up in the foster care system and haven't had the benefit of forming healthy relationships with adults.
County agencies are working on collaborative approaches to prevent exploitation and provide services to the victims, including the CSEC Court that aims to find the best treatment plan for girls on probation; the RISE program that provides services for physical, social, psychological and biological needs; and planned or potential steps including a daytime drop-in center in Santa Maria, partnerships with the faith community to fund apartments for survivors over 18, and staff training.
https://www.noozhawk.com/article/santa_barbara_county_agencies_update_supervisors_child_sex_trafficking
