As you know, over the last few years, we have been working hard to bring awareness to the issue of child sex trafficking.
Up to this point, our work has been primarily focused on drawing the public’s attention to this horrific crime, as well as training our own staff to recognize signs that a child may be a victim. However, we recognize that staff in a variety of County departments may come in contact with a victim and we need to have a process in place for how that is handled.
Later this week, we will be launching a series of protocols that will serve as a blueprint on how to handle trafficking victims who come into contact with the County. Over the next several months, we will be testing the protocols in a few locations, before launching county-wide. Soon every County employee will know how to get these kids off the street and into the services and programs necessary to keep them safe.
Other municipalities across the country look to Los Angeles County as a national model in our fight against child sex trafficking. The launch of these protocols will help us lead the way in our fight to ensure victims get the help they need to get their lives on to a better path.
Don Knabe
LA County Supervisor
Fourth District
