Human Trafficking

Los Angeles County's Efforts to End the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth

The County of Los Angeles is the most populous in the nation and is also a location where large numbers of children and youth are victimized through commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). Over the last decade, Los Angeles County has devoted significant time, energy, and resources to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children and youth (CSEC/Y).

The County’s work has been driven by survivors—individuals who have lived experience and whose lives are most affected by the changes to policies and practices. Recognizing that no one agency or organization can effectively address this issue alone, the County has fostered collaboration among community organizations and government agencies. Foundational to the County’s strategy have been education and awareness-raising efforts among agency partners, organizations that serve youth (such as schools and foster family agencies), and community members. The County has also been responsive to, and played a role in moving forward, legislative changes. Additionally, the County has designed innovative protocols to identify and support youth as well as provide other targeted activities and educational opportunities.

The County has made tremendous progress over the past decade, learned many lessons along the way, and also recognizes that there is much more work to be done.

Building Bridges: How Los Angeles County Came Together to Support Children and Youth Impacted by Commercial Sexual Exploitation

Los Angeles County, in partnership with the National Center for Youth Law, is proud to release a new report, “Building Bridges: How Los Angeles County Came Together to Support Children and Youth Impacted by Commercial Sexual Exploitation.” This report lays out the County’s efforts, highlighting the individual champions who have been instrumental along the way.

Referenced in the report and provided below are Los Angeles County board motions, specialized protocols, educational videos, curricula, research, and additional resources, all focused on one primary goal—more effectively serving and supporting youth both to prevent exploitation from occurring and to intervene effectively, when necessary. The County hopes that this comprehensive report and these accompanying resources will offer ideas, strategies, and hope for other jurisdictions.