Devereux Florida receives funding to support sexually exploited youth

Viera, FL – October 14, 2020 – Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida has received funding from the Florida State Legislature to expand the organization’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) program, which provides comprehensive treatment for children and adolescents who have experienced emotional, physical or sexual trauma.

With the passage of House Bill 2375 in the state budget, Devereux Florida will continue to partner with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to further develop high-quality, evidence-based programs and services for individuals across the state who have experienced this unimaginable trauma and abuse, and also identify and protect those at risk for commercial sexual exploitation.

“We are incredibly grateful to Gov. Ron DeSantis for recognizing that the need for these services is greater than ever, as the vulnerabilities to exploitation have only increased as a result of the pandemic,” said Devereux Florida Director of External Affairs Lindsey Phillips. “This funding will expand our efforts to prevent human trafficking before it begins, and provide the therapeutic services needed to empower victims to recover from their trauma. We want to thank Rep. Elizabeth Fetterhoff and Sen. Debbie Mayfield for their support on this bill, and for their ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of youth in our state.”

About Devereux Florida’s CSEC services

Devereux Florida’s CSEC program helps children and adolescents – impacted by commercial sexual exploitation – understand how to recognize their inherent worth and value; develop health relationships; set appropriate boundaries; and manage their emotions more effectively. In addition, youth learn about the dangers of sexual exploitation so they can recognize this type of treatment before it happens. Devereux Florida’s CSEC services are offered in both residential and outpatient settings. The center also operates “safe foster homes,” where foster families receive specialized training to better care for youth who are victims of sexual exploitation.

Funding from the state Legislature will help Devereux Florida strengthen its victim-centered services, and support efforts to increase the capacity of those services in community-based settings.

“I want to thank Devereux for all it is doing to help children and adolescents in Florida, and Gov. DeSantis for ensuring this organization is given the resources it needs to continue its good work,” said Rep. Fetterhoff. “The need for Devereux Florida’s CSEC program is, unfortunately, continuing to grow, and I am proud that, as a state, we are addressing this problem, and providing funds to help youth who have already been impacted by this growing issue.”

To learn more about Devereux Florida’s CSEC program.

About Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida

Devereux Florida is one of the state’s most comprehensive child welfare and behavioral healthcare organizations, serving individuals with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges. Devereux Florida provides services and supports in more than 19 counties in Florida.

About Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations providing services, insight and leadership in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare. Founded in 1912 by special education pioneer Helena Devereux, the organization operates a comprehensive national network of clinical, therapeutic, educational, and employment programs and services that positively impact the lives of tens of thousands of children, adults – and their families – every year. Focused on clinical advances emerging from a new understanding of the brain, its unique approach combines evidence-based interventions with compassionate family engagement.

With more than 7,500 employees working in programs across the nation, Devereux is a recognized partner for families, schools and communities, serving many of our country’s most vulnerable populations in the areas of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, and child welfare. Programs are offered in hospital, residential, community and school-based settings. They include: assessments; interventions and support; transition and independent life services; family and professional training; research and innovation; and advocacy and public education. For more than a century, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health has been guided by a simple and enduring mission: To change lives by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral or cognitive differences. www.devereux.org.

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