SPB 7088 - Human Trafficking Summary

• Creates screening and assessment instruments for identifying sexually exploited children and determining appropriate placement in safe houses or safe foster homes, with evaluation of risk factors including running away, trauma levels, and substance abuse.

• Establishes certification requirements for safe houses and safe foster homes, requiring trauma-informed care, 24-hour staffing, security measures, and comprehensive services including counseling, behavioral health care, education, and life skills training.

• Authorizes a pilot program for one secure safe house with up to 15 beds for sexually exploited children with the greatest needs, allowing placement for a minimum of 5 days and maximum of 10 months, with regular progress reviews and court oversight.

• Requires department and community-based care lead agencies to provide specialized training to staff handling sexually exploited children cases and to participate in local coalitions and task forces coordinating responses to human trafficking.

• Directs the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to conduct a study on commercial sexual exploitation of children in Florida by July 1, 2017, assessing prevalence, service gaps, and effectiveness of residential placement options.