Act 662, which went into effect on January 1st, 2023, requires all suspected and confirmed cases of child sex trafficking to be reported through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) child abuse/neglect hotline. In addition, the legislation mandates that care coordination and advocacy services be available to these identified youth. Our presenters will provide some background information on the experiences and needs of child sex trafficking victims in Louisiana. They will also explain the new law and the structure that DCFS now has in place to aid victims, which includes statewide care coordination and advocacy services.
Speakers:
Christy Tate, MSW, LCSW, Director of Child Welfare Programs, Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services
Maria Isabella Pontoriero “MIP”, MSW, MPH, LMSW, Lead Social Worker, New Orleans Children’s Advocacy Center
Objectives:
- Learn about some of the needs and experiences of child sex trafficking victims.
- Understand Act 662, which became effective on January 1st, 2023, and its requirements.
- Become familiar with the new structure that the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has put into place to assist child sex trafficking victims.
