Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 109 Special Committee To Prevent the Abuse and Exploitation of Children through the Sex Trade excerpt from INTERIM REPORT June 28, 2000 1st Session of the 24th Legisature LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF SASKATCHEWAN province would be less likely to run from the system if they were in a home where they felt comfortable. The current foster care system was viewed as not an adequate resource for this client group. F. Education and Awareness The Committee heard testimony from the Saskatchewan Department of Social Services and community groups regarding awareness work that has been done to date including poster campaigns, educational pamphlets, and a sign campaign in the stroll areas of Saskatoon. Another consistent message the Committee heard was that education and awareness is a necessary and important approach to take in the prevention of the sexual exploitation of children through the sex trade. Many presenters felt children who are potentially at risk and their families need to be educated about the dangers associated with street culture. It was recommended that the issue be included in their school curriculum to give them knowledge of street dangers and the importance of making healthy choices. Community awareness is also vital to help curb the problem and effectively addresses the issue. The Committee was informed that the general public and community groups need to be made aware of current federal and provincial legislation which address the sexual exploitation of children. It was felt that the scope of the problem, including the demographics of children and offenders, needs to be communicated extensively and regularly to the general public. The Committee heard that community education and awareness is most effective when coordinated through partnerships of stakeholders. Participants advised that service delivery, education, and awareness need to be comprehensive, integrated, and co-operative between stakeholders as diverse as government departments, police services, social agencies, First Nations and Metis groups, neighborhoods, educators and the general public. ...Special Committee to Prevent the Abuse of Exploitation of Children through the sex Trade continued. “it is imperative that agencies and organizations work in co-operation. a multi-faceted strategy is needed to combat the multidimensional issue of child sexual abuse.”(Sandi leBoeuf, co-chair and executive Director, Saskatoon Tribal council Family centre, March 20, 2000, pg. 154) “… educate our children from a very small age. Because if you educate them in theright way … knowledge is power.”(Youth, March 20, 2000, pg. 187) “it needs to be on TV, it needs to be in magazines, you know, in chanel and all those places. People need to know that this is happening, and yes you have to recognize it, and yes it has to stop.”(Youth, March 20, 2000, pg. 198)
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