Jones’s measure helping protect foster children from child labor trafficking signed into law

SB 584 would require foster parents be trained in how to protect foster kids from child labor traffickers

A measure authored by Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee) to help keep foster children from becoming victims of child labor trafficking was signed into law by Governor Newsom.

Senate Bill 584 expands upon previous legislation which required resource family training to educate foster parents on how to care for children who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, commercial sexual exploitation (child sex trafficking).  However, the final version of that bill did not include training on child labortrafficking, despite its prevalence in California, specifically among foster youth.  SB 584 adds “child labor trafficking” to the list of subjects foster families are required to receive training and information about.

“Foster kids in particular are disproportionally more vulnerable to being targeted by criminals for child labor trafficking,” stated Senator Brian Jones.  “Things are already challenging enough for foster kids and we need to help prevent the threat of them being forced into child labor trafficking.  SB 584 will require that family training already provided to foster parents also includes information to help combat and prevent child labor trafficking. We should do everything to support foster children getting back to being kids.”

SB 584 was based on recommendations of, and was supported by, the California Little Hoover Commission and the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking.