C.A.S.E. – Children's Network

OUR MISSION

The San Bernardino Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation (C.A.S.E.) is a partnership of public and private entities who have joined together to develop resources in the county to educate, prevent, intervene and support victims of sexual exploitation.

OUR VISION

An empowered community where youth and families are safe from commercial sexual exploitation.

An educated community equipped to prevent the exploitation of youth while providing supportive services to victims and survivors.

History and Structure

The San Bernardino County Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation (C.A.S.E.) was an initiative by the District Attorney’s Office who saw a need to recognize children involved in commercial sexual exploitation as victims, not as criminals. In 2009, the District Attorney and the Fourth District Supervisor called upon leaders from child serving county departments to enter into a collaborative partnership to address the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (C.S.E.C.) in San Bernardino County. The collaborative partnership with various child serving departments allowed for a system of care to be developed to address the unique needs of children and youth who are victims of exploitation.

Since its inception, C.A.S.E. has been charged with raising the awareness of the community at-large through training and outreach events, so that the community can play an active role in keeping the children and youth safe in San Bernardino County.

An image of Multi-ethnic group of kids sitting together.

Committees and Meetings

The Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation (C.A.S.E.) program purpose is to strengthen services and community resources for CSEC youth through existing trauma-informed care, best practices, clinical expertise, and a collaborative partnership between the MOU members. This program strengthens collaboration through outreach/education, prevention activities to build the foundation of our county, and community partners to work effectively with these youth.

Woman with San Bernardino County Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation (CASE) badge and holding clipboard

C.A.S.E. Outreach and Education

The C.A.S.E. Outreach and Education meetings are an opportunity to educate the community at-large about what commercial sexual exploitation of children is, prevention efforts, emerging evidence-based best practices in the field, and how county and community partners can work to keep children safe. These meetings are held on a quarterly basis.

C.A.S.E. Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)

The C.A.S.E. Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) currently consists of the following departments:

Children and Family Services
Children’s Network
Department of Behavioral Health
Department of Public Health
District Attorney’s Office
Juvenile Probation Department
Public Defender’s Office

Group of volunteers with one shaking young girl's hand

C.A.S.E. Steering Committee

The C.A.S.E. Steering Committee, consisting of representatives from each of the partnering agencies, meet on a monthly basis to oversee program operations, review/approve expenditures and receive reports from the coordinator regarding program updates. The C.A.S.E. Steering Committee maintains and strengthens the existing collaborative model to implement outreach, education, prevention and intervention activities intended to impact the targeted populations.