We are pleased to have the staff from Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia CSEC Response Team presenting this worshop.  One of the primary goals of this project is to educate the community on the issues of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.  You will notice that there are learning goals after each of these sessions, and you  may be asked to complete a brief pre and post test during this series.  We appreciate your cooperation in advance – and this data helps with the funding of this important work.

September 14th, 2021 CSEC 101:   Naeshia McDowell

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), also known as child sex trafficking, refers to a range of crimes and activities involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child for the financial benefit of any person or in exchange for anything of value (including monetary and non-monetary benefits). CSEC is a crime that is impacting children and youth across the State of Georgia. This workshop will provide attendees with a foundational understanding of CSEC and identify steps each attendee can take to spread awareness and respond to this issue in their communities.

After attending this workshop, participants will:

• Have a foundational understanding of adolescent brain development.
• Describe factors that place adolescents at risk for CSEC.
• Define Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Youth.
• Describe myths and stereotypes.
• Identify common physical and behavioral indicators of commercial sexual exploitation as well as risks and warning signs.
• Describe how societal factors contribute to CSEC.
• Identify steps participants can take to spread awareness and respond to this issue.

September 21 2021,  Statewide CSEC Response:   Amy Boney 

The CACGA Statewide CSEC Response Team is a multi-year project administered by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) and funded in part by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), in part by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), and in part by National Children’s Alliance (NCA). We are the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s designated CSEC Response Team and by state protocol, we are the service provider for DFCS, Law Enforcement, Department of Juvenile Justice and the greater community. Our response is also the Recognized Enhanced Collaborative Model for CSEC Response in the State of Georgia.

After attending this workshop, participants will:

• Have an understanding of the statewide response for Commercial Sexual Exploitation
• How to access our services
• Understand the basic assessment process and why this comprehensive approach is needed
• Have a preliminary understanding of the multi-disciplinary process (which will be presented in depth in another workshop)
• Be able to identify high risk indicators for CSEC
• Understand the pathways to CSEC
• Understand ‘why’ exploiters are able to maintain control of a victim 

September 28 2021,  MDT Function:   Tracy Lewis-Martin

The MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting) – A functioning and effective multidisciplinary team approach (MDT) is the foundation of a CAC. An MDT is a group of professionals who represent various disciplines and work collaboratively from the point of report to assure the most effective coordinated response possible for every child. The purpose of interagency collaboration is to coordinate intervention so as to reduce potential trauma to children and families and improve services, while preserving and respecting the rights and obligations of each agency to pursue their respective mandates. This interagency collaboration is based on a system response and not just on the facility. Collaborative response begins with case initiation and is promoted through understanding and exploring case issues. Insight from each MDT representative provides the environment for a coordinated, comprehensive, compassionate professional response. Quality assurance is a necessary component of this joint response to review the effectiveness of the collaborative efforts.

After attending this workshop, participants will:

• Have a foundational understanding of multi-discipline case collaboration.
• Describe factors that make this a child focused process.
• Effective communication and information sharing and the benefits of same.
• Understand how an individual’s personality impacts overall case outcomes.