 Twelve is far below the age of sexual consent, yet it is the average age of entry into prostitution and pornography in the United States. In Miami-Dade County, no organization has focused on the problem, but we do know there are thousands of young people being exploited in the local sex industry.
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 detailed below, Major CSEC Program Components.
This project was launched with seed funding from Women's Fund of Miami-Dade and Dade Community Foundation. In 2009, Kristi House's leadership in CSEC was awarded an Urban Initiative grant by the National Children's Alliance for the pilot program involving prevention, treatment and community organization. In fall 2010, the project was awarded one of three grants in the country from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for addressing CSEC in Miami-Dade. The award carries three-year support for the program, which begins with training from the OJJDP in February 2010. (See Training Overview & Agenda.) Locally, Allegany Franciscan Ministries is a major funder in 2010, underwriting critical program staff costs.
In 2009, Kristi House and girls involved in the program named the commercial sexual exploitation of children program Project GOLD (Girls Owning and Living their Dreams). The project was located to the Coordinated Victims Assistance Center in space provided by Miami-Dade County. The center is on major pubilc transportation lines at U.S. Highway 1 and 24th Street in Miami.
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 focus on CSEC basics, how to identify victims, risk factors, impacts, psycho-social needs and engaging the youth. The emphasis is on shifting perception of the child from a “prostitute” (juvenile delinquent) to a “commercially sexually exploited child” (victim).
Outreach presentations are conducted for youth to gain a better understanding of the risks involved in street life and where to get help if needed.
Case Coordination, Therapy and Referrals
Exploited youth can get assistance with accessing case coordination and mental health services through Kristi House or through our trained partners.
Community Coalition
The CSEC Working Group, comprised of 70+ professionals representing 35 different agencies, law enforcement and nonprofit organizations, serves as the guiding body for the Miami CSEC project.
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
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