In the world of Children’s Legacy Center (CLC) and One SAFE Place (OSP), the bulk of the work lies in serving the client or victim in front of us. Whether through forensic interviews, victim advocacy, family counseling, or other trauma-informed services, our focus remains on supporting children, youth, and families affected by abuse, exploitation, violence, or trauma. The continuum of care we provide is challenging yet deeply meaningful work, accomplished by our dedicated staff across various programs. As we navigate daily operations within the context of our overarching commitment to pursue solutions for the populations we serve, our work becomes multi-dimensional, weaving direct services with innovation, policy dialogue, and systems change. As Director of Systems Innovation and Optimization, my role resides within this balance.
Practically, this means that in addition to looking at the client in front of us, we also look back at the policies and legislation that construct the parameters in which we operate; we look ahead to evaluate program outcomes and plan for sustainability; we look outward, viewing our work as one piece of a network of allied agencies; and we look across our region to leverage the shared strengths of our neighboring counties with whom we share unique challenges and solidarity as rural communities.
While the CLC was built with this wide lens perspective, these efforts accelerated in 2021 when the organization was awarded a contract with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to develop, implement, and evaluate a continuum of services and placement options for youth experiencing commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), otherwise known as trafficking, in rural Northern California. This Pilot program was funded with an initial $3.4 million. In 2023, Governor Newsom allocated $25 million for additional work on this subject across the state, of which $7 million was directed to CLC’s Pilot.
One of the most significant gaps in services for youth experiencing CSE is the availability of appropriate placement options coupled with tailored supportive services, given the level of care and flexibility needed to meet the unique needs of this population. By engaging stakeholders across the North State, we found these barriers intensified in rural and frontier counties. We are grateful for the chance to partner with CDSS to explore services in support of vulnerable youth across 25 counties in Northern California.
Having covered significant ground, CLC recently released an inaugural report detailing the work completed under the Pilot to date, highlighting data from the first year of our funding extension. As we have worked to establish a comprehensive continuum of care for youth experiencing CSE, we have gained a hands-on understanding into building these programs from the ground up. The report captures these insights and translates them into clear identification of barriers, recommendations, and pathways to solutions. Not only will this information aid other organizations aspiring to establish similar programs, but it also bears potential to inform state-level decision making, policy development, and systemic solutions.
I am proud to share this report and invite you to read CLC’s journey from five team members to nearly 70, serving more than 1,000 children, youth, and families across the North State. The impact of the daily work of dedicated staff across each of CLC’s programs cannot be overstated.
Some significant milestones highlighted in the report include:
Looking ahead, our work is ongoing, and we remain committed to expanding our network of placements while engaging partners to explore innovative pathways. CLC is grateful to CDSS, the legislators who made this funding possible, the Governor’s office, and our dedicated partners, staff, and the resilient children, youth, and families we have had the privilege to serve.
Community support and understanding are vital to the missions of One SAFE Place and Children’s Legacy Center. The services we provide are more than just resources and temporary refuge; they are a lifeline for individuals and families rebuilding their lives after the devastation of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. By helping to educate individuals about the trauma those we serve endure and the complex journey they face towards healing and stability, we foster a more compassionate community that stands together against abuse.
Your involvement, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading awareness, directly impacts the lives of those seeking safety and a fresh start. Together, we can be the supportive network that transforms hope into reality, ensuring that every person who walks through our doors knows they are not alone and that brighter days are ahead.
