Dear WestCoast Community,

We are proud to announce that yesterday, Governor Brown signed SB 1322 (Mitchell), which precludes commercially sexually exploited children from being arrested and charged with prostitution. By doing so, California affirms that there is no such thing as a child prostitute.

This would not have been possible without your calls, letters, tweets, and amazing advocacy. Your support made a huge difference, and we can’t thank you enough!

We would also like to thank Senator Holly J. Mitchell, survivor advocates, and our coalition partners for undertaking this important work with us. WestCoast worked closely with National Center for Youth Law, California Welfare Directors’ Association, the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, Children Now, and Children’s Law Center of California to meet with legislative staff and testify at hearings. Many other organizations submitted letters of support, made calls, and participated in the social media campaign.

Thank you,

Jodie Langs
Policy & Communications Director