Youth involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems are at extraordinary risk of exploitation, particularly commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), especially when they become disconnected from these systems. This disconnection often occurs after young people experience systemic trauma, are repeatedly moved between unstable placements, or go missing from placement (MFP). Without trusted adults or consistent support, these youth are left exposed to harm and isolation, with exploiters often stepping in to fill that void. There is evidence that traffickers specifically target youth with such backgrounds [1]; and research indicates that once on the streets, these young people can be approached within as few as 48 hours by traffickers [2].

In response to this urgent need, a coalition of Bay Area service providers organized a Street Outreach Convening (SOC) in October 2023 to identify concrete, local strategies to better support these youth—especially those who are homeless, MFP, and/or experiencing sexual exploitation. The Convening brought together youth with lived experience, street outreach teams, public agencies, community-based organizations (CBOs), and legal advocates to chart a path forward.

These recommendations are grounded in the lived experiences of young people and the frontline providers who support them.

• Create stable and responsive placement options that minimize disruption and offer low-barrier, youth-informed alternatives for young people who are MFP or experiencing exploitation, including providing creative opportunities for systems-involved youth to access short-term emergency shelter in San Francisco.
  
• Center youth voice and experience in service design and delivery by expanding peer navigator programs and ensuring youth participation in key decision-making forums.
  
• Increase access to mental health and substance use services, including non-traditional models such as drop-in wellness support.
  
• Make services more accessible by reducing paperwork barriers, co-locating services, providing transportation and phones, and ensuring youth can access help without fear of arrest or forced return to systems.
  
• Strengthen coordination among providers, including expanding multi-disciplinary teams to include street outreach partners and developing a citywide directory of services.
  
• Support pathways to employment through career preparation, job placement programs, and wraparound support for disconnected youth.
  
• Distribute practical, youth- and provider-facing materials that increase awareness of rights, available supports, and effective engagement strategies.

These recommendations reflect a deep understanding of the challenges disconnected youth face and the opportunities available to build a more responsive, youth-centered ecosystem of care.

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[1] Walker, K. California Child Welfare Council, Ending the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children: A Call for Multi-System Collaboration in California, Child Welfare Council, referencing Francine T. Sherman & Lisa Goldblatt Grace, The System Response to the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Girls, in Juvenile Justice: Advancing Research, Policy, and Practice 336 (Francine T. Sherman & Francine H. Jacobs eds., 2011).

[2] Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, Know the Facts: Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, 13 Connections 2 (Summer 2011)