This session discussed current trends and capacity-building efforts statewide, and two counties efforts in response to fight the commercial sexual exploitation of children. The California’s Child Welfare Council Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Action Team provided an overview of statewide efforts. San Bernardino and San Joaquin county child welfare agencies led an in-depth discussion, highlighting their successes, challenges, and future plans to build capacity within their agencies and with stakeholders. San Bernardino County has an established history in their collaborative efforts, while San Joaquin County is just beginning their process. 

Capacity Building and Continuing the Fight to End Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

• Ronna L. Bright, Statewide PACT Project Director, Child and Family Policy Institute of California                       
• Tasha Dunham, Child Welfare Division Chief, San Joaquin County Human Services Agency
• Anne-Michelle Ellis, Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation Coordinator, San Bernardino County Children’s Network
• Elizabeth Gaedtke, Child Welfare Division Chief, San Joaquin County Human Services Agency
• John Greco, Deputy Director, Children’s Services, San Joaquin County Human Services Agency                           
• Helen Parrott, Deputy Director and Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation Liaison, San Bernardino County Human Services Agency
• Kate Walker, Staff Attorney Mental Health/Juvenile Justice, National Center for Youth Law