Date
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Name
From Silos to Systems: Building California’s Coordinated Response to Child Trafficking
Track
Service Providers
Melissa Gomez Kelly Amend
Description

What does it take to build a coordinated, survivor-informed, cross-system response to child trafficking in a state as large and diverse as California? This workshop offers an in-depth look at the Preventing and Addressing Child Trafficking (PACT) model—an innovative, statewide initiative that promotes multidisciplinary and cross-county collaboration to improve outcomes for youth at risk of, or experiencing child trafficking. Guided by survivor-informed strategies and grounded in a trauma-informed & harm reduction approach. Launched by the California Department of Social Services and the Child and Family Policy Institute of California, PACT connects child welfare agencies, multidisciplinary partners, and survivor leaders to drive systems change. Now supporting forty-six of the fifty-two counties in California, PACT offers peer leadership cohorts, statewide training, technical assistance, and a robust resource network that is changing how providers respond to child trafficking. This session will trace California’s journey from isolated local initiatives to a statewide, coordinated infrastructure that continues to grow and build upon lessons learned since its launch in 2014. Presenters will highlight the creation of a robust peer forum, the integration of lived expertise at all levels, and the development of a sustainable model for enhancing cross-system collaboration. Participants will walk away with a replicable roadmap for strengthening anti-trafficking efforts in their own communities, regions and states. Key components of PACT’s current model include: Four Regional Peer Leadership Cohorts: Supporting local child welfare leaders in advancing their counties' anti-trafficking efforts. The PACT Staff and Consultant Network: A team of experts and survivor leaders providing capacity-building support, case consultation, training, and technical assistance. Statewide collaboration through a member directory, bi-annual California network gatherings and an online resource hub for peer exchange. Intended Audience Child welfare and juvenile justice professionals Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) coordinators and systems navigators State agency leaders and technical assistance providers Survivor leaders and community advocates Policy developers and public health partners Researchers and program evaluators