Kristi House is taking the lead in addressing the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Miami-Dade County by creating a program that aims to:

• Empower and raise awareness among at-risk girls,
• Identify and assist those who are in need of case coordination and mental health services; and
• Strengthen the local capacity to address the issue of CSEC. 

To accomplish these goals, Kristi House has begun the following initiatives:

Youth Leadership Program

The Youth Leadership Program is an affiliate program of Girls Educational and Mentoring Services.  GEMS is the only organization in New York City that provides preventive and transitional services to young women, ages 12-21 years, who are at risk for or involved in sexual exploitation and violence. The Youth Leadership model curriculum developed by GEMS consists of 21 weekly sessions and is designed to empower girls with interpersonal skills and knowledge about socio-political issues that affect them on a daily basis in order to help them to stay safe and free from violence and exploitation.

Trainings and Presentations

Community trainings are provided to school staff, law enforcement and other community-based organizations. These trainings will focus on CSEC basics, how to identify victims, risk factors, impacts, psycho-social needs and engaging the youth with an emphasis on shifting perception of the child from a “prostitute” (juvenile delinquent) to a “commercially sexually exploited child” (victim).

Outreach presentations will also be conducted for youth to gain a better understanding of the risks involved in street life and where to get help if needed.

Case Coordination and Referrals 

Exploited youth can get assistance with accessing case coordination and mental health services through Kristi House or through our trained partners.

Community Coalitions

The Miami Human Trafficking Taskforce Domestic Trafficking Subcommittee is a space created for local service agencies, law enforcement, and community-based organizations to share strategy and resources to combat CSEC.

Changing the Discourse: the BLOG

As a first step in reframing the public conversation around CSEC, Kristi House has begun a blog dedicated to issues surrounding the exploitation of children. The blog, www.csecinmiami.blogspot.com, will be an important tool in highlighting and analyzing current events. It will also be a space to create new messaging around CSEC.  Feel free to post your comments.

For more information, contact Sandy Skelaney, Kristi House CSEC Program Coordinator