Stevens reads Councilmember Lewis statement on Intro 977

Now we'll read a brief statement from Councilmember Lewis on her bill.

I want to thank Chair Althea Stevens, that's me, for her leadership.

For her leadership on the Committee on Children and Youth and for her commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of young people across our city, I'm proud to sponsor Intro 977, which will require the administration of Children's Services and Department of Youth

of Community Development to provide an annual training for staff who work directly with young people on identifying sexually exploited young people.

Sexual exploitation and trafficking have been a devastating consequence, and young people experiencing exploitation may face significant barriers in seeking help.

The adults who work with those

them must be equipped to recognize warning signs, understand risk factors, respond with trauma, inform care, and connect young people to available support services.

This legislation ensures that staff receive consistent training to better identify vulnerable young youth and respond with the knowledge and sensitivity those young people deserve.

Every young person deserves to be safe, support, and protected from exploitation.

By strengthening training and awareness, we can help ensure that young people are recognized, believed, connected to the resources they need that

That concludes Councilmember Lewis's remarks.

I will turn it over to Councilmember Ressler to give his opening remarks on his legislation.

Okay, great.

The public advocate, I believe he has opening remarks.

Thank you for joining us.