TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: In addition to training, GEMS provides technical assistance to agencies seeking issue-specific training. Topics addressed through technical assistance have included: • • • •
Designing CSEC-specific housing programs; Designating shelter beds to CSEC youth; The role of youth development and survivor leadership in programming; and Running groups for CSEC youth.
TESTIMONY: “You provided us with excellent information and provided it well. We are more educated people and more open minded investigators because of the GEMS training.” ~ Detective, Indiana “It was inclusive, informative, and empowering. I can’t think of how it could be improved.” ~ Minister, California “Make it a mandatory training for anyone who works or has a desire to work with youth.” ~ Supervisor, California “I am more sensitive and better equip to engage and support victims.” ~ Case Manager, New York “Powerful class. Exciting and interesting. Wish all of my co-workers could go through it.” ~ Prosecutor, California “When I return home I’m planning to reopen a cold case, which I now realize may have been a CSEC case.” ~ Detective, Michigan ABOUT CCIP CURRICULUM: The CSEC Community Intervention Project (CCIP) began in 2006 with an award from the Office for Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), U.S. Department of Justice (grant# 2006-JL-FX-K018). CCIP is operated through a collaboration of four lead agencies: Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS), The Salvation Army, Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition (BSCC) and Polaris Project. The purpose of CCIP was to build the capacity of five select communities to respond to the problem of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) through the creation and facilitation of local working groups or task forces, the implementation of a multi-day Training Institute in each community, and the development of a CSEC Community Response Plans. The CCIP curriculum was written by Rachel Lloyd, the Executive Director of GEMS, and Amallia Orman. CONTACT: For additional information regarding GEMS’ training and technical assistance, please contact Allison Attenello, Training & Technical Assistance Director at: Allison@gems-girls.org or by phone at: (212) 926-8089.