NOTE: As of Feb. 29, 2024, Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC) has rebranded to Landmarks for Families. Our nonprofit, community programs and residential services remain committed to cultivating thriving youth and families in this new chapter.
Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC) was recently chosen by My Life My Choice to receive free consultation and training in the My Life My Choice Prevention Solution Model, aimed at preventing commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) among adolescent girls.
Exploitation of young girls exists across our country and globally, and according to the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Charleston and Dorchester counties are among the top five areas in the state for the reporting of human trafficking. Effectively addressing this complex issue requires creative thinking, dedicated individuals and an informed approach.
“We are excited to bring this new approach to our community,” said Beverly Hardin, CYDC CEO. “The My Life My Choice Prevention Solution curriculum is designed to shift attitudes, knowledge and skills and is backed by research that demonstrates its success in preventing trafficking among youth at the highest risk of exploitation. We are honored to be chosen for the Prevention Solution Fellowship and to be able to bring this program to the Lowcountry. We look forward to working with the program and other stakeholders to curb exploitation in our counties. ”
CYDC’s mission is to protect children, empower families and prepare youth for adulthood by providing a safe environment, educational support, and career readiness in collaboration with families and community partners. The organization provides services to more than 800 children and families and housing for up to 48 residents across two campuses in North Charleston and Berkeley counties.
The goal of the Prevention Solution Fellowship is to sustainably increase capacity and impact in the area of human trafficking prevention on a national scale. The five fellowship recipients have demonstrated an existing investment in combating the issue of CSEC in their programs, as well as a commitment to sustaining the practices, policies and CSEC prevention programming the Prevention Solution Model beyond the fellowship period.
Five congregate care organizations serving adolescent girls, located in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, North Dakota, Arizona, and Oregon, were selected through the rigorous Prevention Solution Fellowship application process to receive free training and consultation from expert My Life My Choice staff in implementing the Prevention Solution Model in their programs, beginning in September 2020.
Over the course of 12 months, staff at each of these programs will gain invaluable skills and tools for effective CSEC prevention, engaging in multilevel staff training, networking opportunities including survivor leadership, and ongoing consultation designed to facilitate long-term implementation of the Prevention Solution Model.
