Posted: | June 11, 2021 02:05 PM |
---|---|
From: | Representative Sheryl M. Delozier |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Updating Definition in Child Protective Services Law |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to amend the definition of “sexual abuse or exploitation” in the Child Protective Services Law to include the offenses of trafficking in minors and involuntary sexual servitude. Sadly, child abuse and neglect and the circumstances that contribute to them are also risk factors for becoming a victim of trafficking or sexual servitude. Many victims of trafficking and sexual servitude have experienced not only physical and sexual abuse, but also homelessness, living with a parent or caregiver who is experiencing addiction, being in an unstable living situation, and involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems. A significant number of victims report having run away from home or from an out-of-home placement. While Pennsylvania has done many changes to address the human trafficking problem over the last several years, we still have work to do. Please join me as we continue these efforts. |
Introduced as HB1863