Bill > HF801

This bill introduces new provisions to enhance screening for commercial sexual exploitation of children in Iowa. It first defines "commercial sexual exploitation" as causing a child to engage in sex or sexually explicit activities in exchange for money, goods, services, or promises thereof. The bill requires two key screening mechanisms: first, when a juvenile court receives a complaint alleging a delinquent act, the court must order the child to be screened using a standardized, evidence-based, trauma-informed screening tool specifically for commercial sexual exploitation. Second, when the department of health and human services (HHS) receives a child abuse allegation, they must screen the child for commercial sexual exploitation using the same type of standardized, trauma-informed tool before proceeding with either a child abuse or family assessment. These new requirements aim to identify and potentially intervene in situations where children may be victims of sexual exploitation, recognizing the complex and traumatic nature of such experiences. By mandating these screenings, the bill seeks to provide an additional layer of protection and support for potentially vulnerable children in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.

Health and Social Services

Health And Human Services (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF801