Q&A
Support for youth aged 18-24 not covered by the Safe Harbor Act
1:46:59
ยท
59 sec
Council Member Stevens inquires about DYCD's response to identifying trafficked youth between the ages of 18 and 24, who are not protected by the Safe Harbor Act. Dr. Wilkerson explains that DYCD's approach is the same regardless of age range.
- DYCD treats trafficked youth under 18 and those 18-24 the same way
- Individualized services are provided based on experience and goals
- Council Member Stevens acknowledges the addition of 100 beds for 18-24 year olds
Althea Stevens
1:46:59
Okay.
1:47:03
And, you know, we I I do wanna acknowledge we did get a additional 100 beds for 18 to 24, so no one fought harder for that than me.
1:47:10
And I'm really I know you guys are super excited about it because I can stop asking you about it every time you show up here.
1:47:16
So that's one last question for you guys.
1:47:19
But, DYCD serves up to 24 year olds, but Safe Harbor Act only provides protection for youth under 18.
1:47:26
How does DYCD respond if they identify trafficked youth who are between the ages of 18 and 24?
Dr. Amy Wilkerson
1:47:32
The approach is the same regardless of the age range.
1:47:36
We do not treat, a youth that has been sexually trafficked or exploited who is under the age of 18 any different than we would treat one that is 8 24 years old.
1:47:45
We would, try to assess their needs and provide them to individualized services that, you know, meets, their experience and, their goals.