Board approves contract with firm for anti-sex trafficking training

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - The Board of Supervisors today approved a $400,000 contract spanning five years with a Los Angeles-based consultancy that will manage anti-sex trafficking training sessions for the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services.

In a 5-0 vote without comment Tuesday, the board authorized the DPSS to enter into the agreement with the Sowers Education Group LLC. The contract is retroactive to July 1 of this year and will expire on June 30, 2031. Under the compact, all Human Trafficking Prevention Training & Youth Engagement Services will be handled by Sowers, relying mainly on its Cool Aunt Series,'' according to documents posted to the board's policy agenda. The series provides a curriculum that targetscommercially sexually
exploited children,'' or those who are at risk of being exploited, as well as case agents assigned to investigate cases where teenagers are, or have been, trafficked.

Training is state-mandated, and up until this year, the California Department of Social Services had provided the instructors and requisite course materials, but the CDSS has discontinued its program. The Cool Aunt Series'' has received the agency's endorsement. The series is a proprietary, survivor-led human trafficking prevention curriculum designed for pre-teens and teens,'' according to the DPSS.

The agency said the curriculum, which is all-virtual, seeks to ``improve the safety and well-being of minor victims, enhance the ability of local agencies to effectively engage … services to youth impacted by exploitation (and) empower youth to seek help and access resources.''

Training modules generally run four to 12 hours. Along with minors and child welfare case agents, foster parents, caregivers and guardians will be able to access the series in English or Spanish. Officials said a mix of state and federal funds will cover all contract expenses.