I CARE Program – San Diego Youth Services

Description of Services:

San Diego Youth Services has helped thousands of children and young adults who are at risk for trafficking, as well as those who have already been trafficked.

According to the International Labor Organization, children account for 1 in 4 of the 4.8 million victims globally. It is estimated that 60% of child sex trafficking victims in the United States have a history of involvement with the child welfare system, as these foster youth often face a lack of stability, support, and guidance, making them targets for traffickers.

Our goal is for the youth we serve to become emotionally and financially self-reliant, so that they are able to overcome the trauma they have experienced, heal and lead productive and healthy lives.

Our staff members work directly with survivors to get them back on their feet, by providing them with resources, including shelter and food, so that they are able to leave their old lives behind. We provide mental health services, educational support, employment opportunities, as well as support to their families.

I CARE Program

I CARE supports youth, up to age 21, who are at risk for or have experienced sex trafficking or other commercial sexual exploitation. The program provides a mental health clinic and a drop-in center. I CARE provides services to youth and community training to youth, parents, educators and service providers at locations like Grossmont Union High School DistrictSan Diego Unified School DistrictCalifornia State University San Marcos and San Diego State University, as well as organizations such as Jewish Family Service.

For Detailed Information: https://sdyouthservices.org/services/child-sex-trafficking-awareness-and-recovery/