This letter passes on information regarding SB 855, which clarified that commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC) whose parents or guardians failed or were unable to protect them may fall within the description of 300(b) and be adjudged as dependents of the juvenile court. The Legislature also established a state-funded county CSEC Program to be administered by CDSS that counties may opt into. The DSS is spending 1.75 million (not a typo!) to provide training of county workers and out of home caregivers, which will cover awareness and identification of children who are commercially sexually exploited, or who are at risk of being commercially sexually exploited. An additional $750,000 is also provided for the training of foster youth to help them recognize and avoid commercial sexual exploitation, for those counties that elect to participate in the CSEC Program. $2.5 million for FY 2014-15 will be allocated to participating counties for protocol development and capacity building for services to commercially sexually exploited children. [Download]
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations