CID-CI-CEN-PSECA-2023-003 - PSECA Outreach Support Services

PSECA services include prevention programs across Alberta to reduce the incidence of children and youth being involved in prostitution. PSECA programs also address awareness of child sexual exploitation and the forms that this exploitation can take, including prostitution. PSECA allows for the provision of voluntary community services that can be provided to children/youth to end their involvement in sexual exploitation. Voluntary Services are community-based programs that are residential or non-residential in nature and are designed to assist a youth with their successful exit from sexual exploitation.
• Sixteen and seventeen-year old youth can access support services without their guardian's permission.
• Youth who are engaged in Voluntary Services immediately prior to their 18th birthday can continue to access support services up to age 24, to ensure a healthy transition to adulthood.

Section 7 of PSECA provides for the establishment of programs that the Minister of Children and Family Services believes are necessary to assist children and youth in ending their involvement in sexual exploitation. A director will involve an eligible child or youth in these services through a Voluntary Service Agreement where this will meet the safety needs of a child or youth. Community Support programs should be considered for any child or youth who is sexually exploited.

Community support programs:
• May be residential or non-residential,
• Are planned with the child, youth and the guardian, if possible,
• Are flexible and appropriate to the child, youth, family or caregiver and able to accommodate occasional setbacks, and
• Provide a comprehensive range of programs and services to support the individual needs of the child and are based on the recommendations of the assessment.

Children and Family Services Central Region is procuring a community support program, PSECA Outreach Support Services.