Youth Homelessness and Sexual Exploitation: Interventions & Prevention
Dani Mills, MSCJ | September 18 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Programming | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Peel Region, Ontario is the second-largest municipality in the Greater Toronto Area. It’s located in Canada's largest economic area, borders the United States, has an airport, and has 5 major highways passing through. Peel continues to be a hot spot for sexual exploitation and is facing various economic crises, which have increased risks and vulnerabilities in its community. Housing continues to be a crisis, which adds to the challenges and increases risk and vulnerabilities for youth experiencing homelessness. Recognizing and understanding the intersectionality of youth homelessness and sexual exploitation, participants will take away a comprehensive understanding of the keys to providing intervention and establishing prevention for exploitation within youth shelters. Through operating Peel’s youth shelters and nCourage (Peel’s Anti-Human Trafficking Integrated Service Hub), Our Place Peel will shed light on the reality, risks, and vulnerabilities when youth experience homelessness. Youth continue to be an overrepresented group in homelessness and exploitation. The presenter will explore policies, interventions, and practices that support young people through their journey to healing and housing. Attendees will take with them the importance of community collaboration, client-centered/led work, and advocacy for systems change.
Presentation Objectives:
• Provide an understanding of the intersectionality of youth homelessness and sexual exploitation
• Discuss examples of intervention and prevention strategies and community collaborations to help support youth experiencing homelessness and sexual exploitation
• Explain how to increase access to dedicated support and services for youth experiencing homelessness who are at risk of or identify as victims/survivors
• Increase collaboration, coordination, and evidence-based practice across the system responding to human sex trafficking with the youth population