VICTORIA FAMILY COURT AND YOUTH JUSTICE COMMITTEE - May 21, 2014

ATTENDANCE

Municipal Members Cynthia Day, (Colwood); Tim Chad, (Sidney); Dunstan Browne, (North Saanich); Charlayne Thornton-Joe, (Victoria – regrets arrived late); Jim Hackler, (Saanich); Bill Warburton, (Oak Bay); Dave Hodgins, (Esquimalt – regrets left early); Marcie McLean, (Highlands); Rick Cooper, (Metchosin); Matt Sahlstrom, (Langford); Kerrie Reay, (Sooke) and Marnie Essery, (Recording Secretary).

Members at Large (CRD Appointments) Bill McElroy, (C.R.A.T.); Georgia Peters, (C.A.S.A); Geanine Robey, (Restorative Justice Victoria);

Resource People or Agencies Ranj Atwal, (M.C.F.D.); Gord Irving, (Boys and Girls Club); Jennifer Gibbs, (M.Y.S.T.);

School Districts Tom Ferris, (School District #61)

Guests Helen Hughes, Mia Golden, (C.R.E.D.); Del Manak, (Victoria Police Department); Leah McGregor, (Victoria Cool Aid Society) and Representatives from The Children of the Street Society.

Regrets: Mitzi Dean, (Pacific Centre Family Services Association) and Ron Mattson, (View Royal).

1) Call to Order- 11:45

The Chair welcomed everyone to the VFCYJC and introduced new VFCYJC members Councillor Dave Hodgins from the Township of Esquimalt and Bill Warburton, who has been appointed as the Oak Bay Alternate Representative. She advised the VFCYJC that Tammy Percival’s involvement in our committee was appreciated but she was unable to continue. Cynthia advised that an updated VFCYJC Membership List had been forwarded to members and to let Marnie know if there were corrections to be made. Cynthia said that she would ask Colwood to email a copy of the wording of the resolution to VFCYJC Members.

2) Approve Amended May 21 Agenda to Add Chairs Remarks

MOTION: D. Browne/M. McLean CARRIED

3) To Adopt April 16 Minutes

MOTION: B. McElroy/ K. Reay CARRIED

4) News From The Street

There was discussion regarding the recent decision to close the Victoria Youth Custody Centre. The VFCYJC raised concerns that there did not seem to be much consultation about this decision. Contact with family was very important and ideally, kids do best in their own communities where the supports and services that are in place can continue seamlessly after detention ends. Having access to mental health and addiction support also is necessary. Concerns were raised that children will be in contact with and influenced by more "seasoned offenders." This issue is complicated, but kids need to be priority and it is alarming that a resource has been taken away and no alternative provided. There was no discussion from the Ministry of how youth should best be served, just a financial decision. Tom Ferris stated that School District 61 has forwarded a letter to the Minister to ask for the re opening of the Victoria Youth Custody Centre. Other municipalities are considering forwarding support letters following the lead of Councillor Green in Oak Bay. Cynthia will forward a support letter from VFCYJC and invite Minister Cadieux to come share and consult with us.

5) Subcommittee Reports

a) Treasurer's Report- May 2014

Notes:

• $ 10,000 reserved for Mental Health Project
• $ 1,200 reserved for Operating/Meeting costs

Submitted by Bill McElroy, Treasurer, May 21, 2014.

b) C.R.A.T. Report

Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Others (tco2) will be in Victoria the week of May 20-23. So far, there are 7 bookings, including a large one at Victoria City Hall Council Chambers on May 21 at 12 noon. There are several time slots still available. Folks who are interested in finding out more about tco2 should attend and bring co-workers and friends. They are prepared to put on their one-hour performance before any group of youth, or those who work with youth in any part of the CRD. Bill reminded folks that if they are coming, they should let him know so there will be enough food for everyone, as lunch will be provided. Pat and Ranj updated the meeting about the ongoing process of increasing the resources of the MYST Coordinator. Mia from the Youth Gang Program at Pacific Centre Family Services Association has been accompanying Jennifer during her downtown "walks". There are ongoing discussions about including staff from Probation services in the team. The closing of the Youth Detention Centre generated a lot of discussion. Bill reported that he had several calls from government employees telling him that they could not attend, as the word has come down that employees are not to discuss this issue publicly. After some discussion it was decided that Bill would write to the Minister to express our opposition to the closure not only because it is harmful to the youth, but also because the decision was made before their review of the Justice system is completed. It was also decided that no recommendation on alternative uses for the site be put forward until we are confident that the decision is final. Bill also reported that PEERS has received $100,000 in funding, which has resulted in reopening their daytime drop-in centre. CRAT had written to the Minister asking that special funding be made to allow PEERS to reopen the drop-in centre. The next meeting of CRAT will be September 9, 2014, Victoria City Hall, 12 noon, Committee Room 2. Submitted by Bill McElroy, Chair

To Receive Treasurer's Report and C.R.A.T. Report MOTION: B. McElroy/ T. Chad CARRIED

6. New Business

a) The June 18th VFCYJC Monthly Meeting will not take place at Victoria City Hall. Marnie will cancel our booking. b) The next Steering Committee Meeting will take place on June 11, from 12-1 at Victoria City Hall in Committee Room 2. c) The next VFCYJC Meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 18 at 11:30-1:30 at 1209 Clarke Road, the Central Saanich Cultural Centre in Room A. d) There are no scheduled VFCYJC Meetings for July and August

7) Guest Speakers: Representatives from The Children of the Street Society

Contact Information: 206 - 1130 Austin Avenue Coquitlam B.C. V3K 3P5, Canada. Phone: 604.777.7510. Toll Free: 1 877.551.6611 Website: www.childrenofthestreet.com

Bill introduced Tianna and David from The Children of the Street Society.

The Children of the Street Society is a Provincial Society and Federal Charity dedicated to preventing the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of children and youth in British Columbia through education strategies, public awareness initiatives, and family support since 1995.

Our mission is to take a proactive approach through public awareness, education and early intervention strategies to prevent the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of children and youth, while offering support to families.

Vision- A world where children and youth are safe and free from all forms of sexual exploitation.

Sexual Exploitation- is the sexual abuse of children and youth, and involves the exchange of a sexual act for money, drugs, food, shelter, transportation, love, acceptance or any other consideration. The Criminal Code of Canada defines a sexually exploited youth as under the age of 18, while the Child, Family and Community Service Act defines a sexually exploited youth as under the age of 19.

The sexual exploitation of children and youth is a growing concern for communities throughout British Columbia. Due to the underground nature of the crime, it is impossible to accurately count the number of youth who are sexually exploited in British Columbia. Estimates state that between 100,000 - 300,000 children and youth are sexually exploited throughout North America at any given time.

Sexual exploitation occurs in neighbourhoods of every type, from rural towns, to the safety of the suburbs, to inner-city neighbourhoods. Sexual exploitation ranges from the sex trade, to youth exchanging a sexual act for a place to stay, to family supported exploitation. Sexual exploitation of children and youth is not a female specific issue. Males are also sexually exploited.

Some examples of sexual exploitation include:

• Street level sex trade
• Indoor venues (brothels, massage parlours)
• Child sexual abuse images (child pornography)
• Survival sexual exploitation
• Family, peer, or relationship based exploitation
• Gang / organized crime supported exploitation
• Internet or phone based exploitation

Children of the Street Society takes a collaborative and comprehensive approach to preventing the sexual exploitation of children and youth. We know that investing in preventative measures means a decrease in the need for intervention and enforcement services, and is cost-effective over the long-term. We offer a variety of preventative programs which engage a diverse range of individuals and groups. Our primary prevention tool is education and awareness workshops — we facilitate over 500 workshops, in approximately 30 B.C. communities, with more than 25,000 participants annually!

The Society has developed into a highly recognizable and reputable leader in the fight against child and youth sexual exploitation.

We educate and raise awareness. We provide young people with the knowledge and tools to keep themselves and their peers safe. We educate various adult audiences to be able to recognize and prevent sexual exploitation. We strive to change attitudes of those who create the demand for sexual exploitation by raising awareness on the realities of sexually exploited children and youth.

We advocate for change. We lobby all levels of government for changes in legislation that will help protect young people and prevent further sexual exploitation.

We support youth and families. In addition to prevention strategies, we also offer support to families and service providers who are concerned about a child or youth. We assist by providing non-judgemental support, resources, and referrals to local support and intervention services.

Children of the Street Society offers a variety of workshops and training opportunities intended to prevent the sexual exploitation of children and youth by increasing awareness on the issue. Workshops can be tailored in material and length to meet the specific needs of the host community, school, or audience.

Each year, Children of the Street Society provides over 500 workshops to 25,000 participants in 30 diverse communities across British Columbia. Workshop participants consist of children and youth, including alternative classrooms and at-risk youth; service providers, such as teachers, social workers, nurses and police; parent groups, including foster parents, Parent Advisory Councils and caregivers; and businesses, including hospitality management and front line staff. Our workshops include:

• Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Others (TCO²)
• It Can Happen to Anyone
• Helping Others Prevent Exploitation (H.O.P.E.)
• Working with the Hospitality Industry

TCO2

Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Others (TCO²) is a unique and empowering interactive workshop designed and delivered by youth, for youth about preventing sexual exploitation. Using monologues, role-plays and engaging activities, a group of three young adult facilitators involve participants in a meaningful and interactive discussion of what sexual exploitation is, who is involved, and how to prevent it from happening.

The workshop evolves each year in order to addresses current information on sexual exploitation, including: recruitment tactics, warning signs of exploitation, domestic trafficking, violence and drugs in the sex trade, exploitation over the Internet, non-commercial forms of exploitation, males in the sex trade, barriers to exiting the sex trade, community resources, and how to get help.

Workshops are interactive and customized to provide information most relevant to each school or community. Workshops are age appropriate and offered to children and youth ages 11 to 18, including students, alternate programs, youth groups, and other youth audiences.

It Can Happen to Anyone

It Can Happen to Anyone is a prevention based workshop designed for parent groups, service providers, and community audiences. The workshop is facilitated by Diane Sowden, founding Executive Director, who lost her 13-year-old daughter to the sex trade.

It Can Happen to Anyone includes a comprehensive overview of youth sexual exploitation in British Columbia, case studies and trends of youth exploitation, online exploitation, an overview of legal issues surrounding sexual exploitation, and family support. Workshops are customized to ensure participants receive relevant information, specific to the audience's interests and concerns. Presentations vary in length, up to six hours, and are offered throughout British Columbia.

Helping Others Prevent Exploitation (HOPE)

Helping Others Prevent Exploitation (H.O.P.E.) is a community focused workshop intended for service provider and community based professionals such as police officers, probation officers, social workers, nurses, youth workers and other service providers working with vulnerable populations.

The goal of the workshop is to act as a springboard in building comprehensive community based approaches to dealing with issues relating to the sexual exploitation of children and youth. This workshop provides education and information to assist communities in recognizing and preventing sexual exploitation at the local level. Workshops focus on developing and nurturing relationships among key stakeholder groups, including police, government, corporate, and community agencies. Topics covered include: an overview of youth sexual exploitation, current trends of child and youth sexual exploitation, mobilizing community participation and engaging the community in prevention strategies.

Working with the Hospitality Industry

Working with the Hospitality Industry: A Training Program is intended for members of the hospitality sector such as hotel management and front line staff, as well as other front line tourism employees who may encounter situations of child and youth sexual exploitation.

The goal of this workshop is to assist management and front line hospitality staff to recognize and prevent the sexual exploitation of children and youth. The workshop is provided by Children of the Street Society, in partnership with law enforcement and can be presented to smaller groups of hospitality management or larger groups of front line hospitality staff. Topics covered include an overview of sexual exploitation, the impact of sexual exploitation and sex trade related activity within the hospitality industry, and the influence of hallmark community events on child and youth sexual exploitation. Workshops include a Training DVD, Resource Manual and presentation.

For more information or to book a workshop, contact Kev Lescisin, Program Coordinator at 604-939-6055 or klescisin@childrenofthestreet.com.

The speakers shared they offer free presentations to elementary school children, middle school students, and students in grades 10-12. Education is the key!

People who give the presentations are closer to the student’s age so it is a new face and they may hear the message in a different way.

12-14 is the average age that youth enter into sex trade.

Children can be recruited from age 9-17.

After the workshops, children and youth are able to recognize the signs and are coming forward and talking to someone they trust.

Five Warning Signs of Recruitment:

1. Age difference- a 13 year old is dating a 20 year old
2. Gifting-paying for an apartment, party, cellphone or puppy
3. Isolation
4. Lifestyle changes-wearing stuff that they cannot usually afford
5. *Gut feeling-this can be easier to spot in the beginning

These signs can happen gradually. #1 place of contact is online and 75% never tell anyone Average age of predator= 25 years old 1 in 10 males online are predators.

Associated with Exploitation may be: -Sexting (93% were asked to put sexual photos on line) -May not realize cannot get photos back and there may be bullying and fear/shame associated with this -“Taking care of friends” -GHB makes people look drunk and having time of life. -Gang Recruitment/ Involvement (12-14 years of age is the average age of entry into gangs).

• E.S.L./Immigrants may be “duped” into giving documents and “schooled” into “body houses” in their extreme need to send money back home.

Resources For Parents

If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger or risk, call 9-1-1 or your local police. As parents, it is important to remember that sexual exploitation is a complex social issue, and that while it can be distressing for you as a parent or guardian, there are resources available to assist you.

Dealing with Issues of Sexual Exploitation, A Guide for Parents This manual compiled by the McCreary Centre Society, in partnership with Children of the Street Society and NOW Canada Society, provides an overview of how you, as a parent can help deal with your child’s exploitation. The resource manual is available in English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Punjabi and Vietnamese and is available for download in PDF Form.

Canadian Centre for Child Protection www.protectchildren.ca The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is a charitable organization dedicated to the personal safety of all children. It delivers public programs and services to reduce child victimization.

Cybertip www.cybertip.ca 1 866 658 9022 Cybertip is Canada's national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children and youth. Reports can be made online or by calling

Safe Online Outreach Society (SOLOS) www.safeonlineoutreach.com SOLOS promotes the safe and responsible use of all forms of digital communications and social media through education that is research-based and pro-technology.

The Door That’s Not Locked www.thedoorthatsnotlocked.ca Here, you'll find a variety of resources and tools that will help you keep your child safer while they’re exploring and enjoying the online world. From learning what online activities are popular and how your child uses them, to discovering ways to talk to your child about healthy versus unhealthy relationships, this website will give you the important information you need.

PLEA Community Services Society of BC - Onyx Program www.plea.ca and www.asaferplace.com Phone 604.708.2647 or 1 877 411.7532. The PLEA Onyx Program provides support services to male, female and transgendered youth that are 18 years of age and under, and have been identified as sexually exploited. Referrals can be made by youth, parents, service providers or anyone.

VictimLINK 1 800 563.0808 or TTY 604.875.0885 (collect calls accepted). Text 604.836.8381. VictimLINK is a province wide telephone help line for victims of any crime. Calls are taken by Victim Service Workers, 24 hours 7 days a week. Service is available in over 100 languages.

Youth Against Violence Line : 1-800-680-4264 The Youth Against Violence Line is a safe, confidential and anonymous way for young people across BC to report crime or violent incidents, or to talk through any type of problem with a supportive person. We can help with things like:

• bullying
• gangs
• sexual exploitation
• dating violence
• substance misuse
• hate crimes and discrimination
• abuse
• advocacy
• legal help
• and much more

We offer non judgmental support in many languages, and will provide you with options, information and referrals to services that can help. Parents, teachers, caregivers, service providers and others can also call for information about youth-related resources.

Check out the Youth Against Violence web site at www.youthagainstviolenceline.com

... or contact a Trusted Teacher/Service Provider

Barriers to Leaving being Exploited: -Addiction -Movement -Trauma Bonds -Guilt/Shame -Emotional Triggers and many more...

As the speakers emphasized, if you do not talk about it, you are more at risk of it happening!!

7) Good News- Cynthia thanked this group for all their efforts to educate people.

8) To Adjourn at 1:30 Motion: T. Chad/ D. Browne