Government is providing just over $60,000 to the Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation of Youth, or CASEY, to raise awareness of the issue.

CASEY will receive $60,100 to support their work in raising awareness about the seriousness and degree of sexual exploitation of youth in the province.

Created in 2006, the Coalition has been raising awareness and providing specialized professional development to service providers.

Organized by Thrive, CASEY has representation from community groups, group homes, police, health services, women’s advocacy groups, those with lived experience and other provincial government departments.

It is the first time since its formation that the Coalition has received any funding from government, something Thrive Executive Director, Angela Crockwell says was a hard fought battle.

Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Carol Anne Haley made the announcement, but abruptly got up and left before it was over, and before taking questions from the media.

Crockwell says the funding means they can expand their capacity, launch a youth prevention program, and strengthen supports to engage survivor voices.

Minister @CarolAnneHaley just got up and left as Thrive Executive Director, Angela Crockwell was mid-speech…

before taking any questions from the media. @VOCMNEWS #nlpoli

— Ben Murphy VOCM (@BenMurphyVOCM) October 16, 2019