Welcome Diane Nakamura with CASEY in Prince George

CASEY (Communities Against Sexual Exploitation of Youth) was established in 1997 as a community response to lack of services for sexually exploited youth in Prince George. CASEY has a committee made up of various youth-serving organizations such as School District 57, Ministry of Children & Family Development, Elizabeth Fry Society, RCMP, Native Friendship Centre and others.

 

One of CASEY's biggest jobs has been to educate the public, particularly the media around sexually exploited youth. These youth have and continue to be branded as "hookers" and "prostitutes". In reality, these are kids under the age of 19 who are being SEXUALLY ABUSED by adults. It is an ongoing process to educate the public about not labeling and criminalizing these youth.

 

CASEY operates under the umbrella of Central Interior Native Health Society. The coordinator for CASEY is Diane Nakamura who has worked with sexually exploited youth and their families for the past 25 years.

 

CASEY took serious note of years of research that pointed to the importance of listening to the voices of experiential youth because they are the experts in the field. CASEY hires, mentors and trains experiential youth to co-facilitate training to professionals and presentations to youth and the general public. CASEY has traveled to many communities in northern British Columbia to deliver public education and awareness, including assisting communities to start up their own CASEY chapters.

 

In addition to public awareness and education, CASEY provides support services to sexually exploited youth and their families and consultation to service providers.

 

CASEY exists on minimal funding through municipal and provincial government sources.