Government of Canada Provides Funding for Children of the Street Society

Funding to help organization provide support to families of youth victimized by sexual exploitation and human trafficking


VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 11, 2015) - Department of Justice Canada

Today, Justice Minister Peter MacKay announced $106,595 in funding for the Children of the Street Society for its project "Working Together to Support Victims and Families of Sexual Exploitation." Minister MacKay was joined by Minister of National Revenue and MP for Delta-Richmond-East Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay.

The funding will be used by the Children of the Street Society to develop a resource toolkit specifically designed to assist the parents and caregivers of youth who have been victimized by sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

The toolkit will further advance the organization's efforts in increasing the knowledge among parents/caregivers about the impacts of these crimes, and about the services, assistance and laws in place to respond to the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of youth. The organization will also use the funding to continue their ongoing work of providing information, resources and referrals to families and service providers.

Quick Facts

- The mission of Children of the Street Society is to take a proactive approach through public awareness, education and early intervention strategies to prevent the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of children and youth, while offering support to families.

- The funding is being provided as follows:

  • 2014-15: $56,437
  • 2015-16: $50,158

Total: $106,595

- The funding is being provided through the Department of Justice Canada's Victims Fund. The Victims Fund provides grants and contributions to support projects and activities that:

  • Encourage the development of new approaches;
  • Promote access to justice;
  • Improve the capacity of service providers;
  • Foster the establishment of referral networks; or
  • Increase awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families.

Quotes

"The sexual exploitation and human trafficking of vulnerable youth in our society are important justice issues that require a coordinated response. Our Government has introduced legislation to ensure that those who prey on youth will face the full force of the law, and we will continue to provide funding to organizations like the Children of the Street Society that deliver services directly to victims, families and communities."

Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"Children and youth are especially vulnerable to sexual exploitation and trafficking, and these crimes can have a devastating impact on their young lives. The funding being provided today further illustrates our Government's commitment to victims of crimes and their families across the country, including throughout the Lower Mainland."

Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and MP for Delta-Richmond-East

"Sexual exploitation and human trafficking is a very complex issue, which is continuously changing. Due to technology, any child or youth can be a victim. Through Children of the Street Society's comprehensive guide, parents and caregivers will be provided with education, support and resources which can better inform them on how to keep their kids safe from all forms of exploitation."

Diane Sowden, Executive Director, Children of the Street Society

Related Products

- Backgrounder: Federal Victims Strategy and Victims Fund

Associated Links

- Department of Justice Canada's Policy Centre for Victim Issues

- Department of Justice Canada's Victims Fund

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Backgrounder

Federal Victims Strategy and Victims Fund

The Federal Victims Strategy was created in 2007 and made permanent in 2011. The objective of the Strategy, which is led by the Department of Justice Canada, is to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. The Department of Justice works in close collaboration with other federal institutions, as well as victims, victim advocates, provincial and territorial governments, service providers, and others involved in the criminal justice system. The Department of Justice develops policy and criminal law reform, funds various programs to meet the needs of victims of crime, explores best practices to address victims' needs, and raises awareness about the concerns of victims of crime and their role in the criminal justice system.

Within the Federal Victims Strategy, the Victims Fund is a grants and contributions program administered by the Department of Justice. Funds are available each year to provinces, territories and non-governmental organizations whose projects, activities and operations support the objectives of the Federal Victims Strategy.

The Victims Fund provides funding to projects and activities that:

  • Enhance victim assistance programs across Canada;
  • Promote access to justice and participation in the justice system and the development of laws, policies, and programs;
  • Promote the implementation of principles, guidelines, and laws designed to address the needs of victims of crime and articulate their role in the criminal justice system;
  • Contribute to increased knowledge and awareness of the impact of victimization, the needs of victims of crime, available services, assistance and programs, and legislation; and
  • Promote, encourage and/or enhance governmental and non-governmental organizations' involvement in the identification of victims' needs and gaps in services, as well as in the development and delivery of programs, services and assistance to victims, including capacity building within non-governmental organizations.

More information is available on the Department of Justice Canada's website.

Contact Information:

Clarissa Lamb
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Media Relations Office
Department of Justice
613-957-4207