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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Factsheet |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Factsheet |
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VICTORIA – Stakeholder consultation about legislation and services to protect children from commercial sexual exploitation will be held throughout the province during May, June and July.
“Safe Care for British Columbia’s Children: A Discussion Paper” will allow stakeholders, families and communities input as government prepares legislation and designs the delivery of Safe Care services for youth at risk.
The discussion paper includes background on the issue of commercial sexual exploitation of children and youth in B.C. and other provinces, outlines the reasons for reconsideration of the Secure Care Act and the resulting changes addressed through the proposed Safe Care Act. It also describes a delivery model for Safe Care services in British Columbia.
The proposed Safe Care Act would provide for the involuntary detainment of commercially sexually exploited youth when they are unable or unwilling to access help through voluntary measures.
The proposed legislation, for introduction in the spring 2005 session, responds to concerns raised about the Secure Care Act passed in July 2000. The Secure Care Act was never proclaimed into law. The new act will focus on sexually exploited youth and a more efficient, court-based adjudicative process.
The maximum length of time a youth may be detained is shortened from 100 to 30 days. During this time service professionals will work with the child and his/her family where possible to create a plan that will help to end the exploitation and keep the child safe after leaving the safe care facility.
The discussion paper and more information is available at http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/safe_care/. -30-
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