Port Coquitlam's Children of the Street, Supporting Kids Against Exploitation

First founded in Port Coquitlam over thirty years ago, Children of the Street works to prevent the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of children and youth in British Columbia. They achieve this goal through educational programs, public awareness initiatives, and family support. 

Cathy Cena – Local Journalism Initiative

Children of the Street was founded by Port Coquitlam resident Diane Sowden in 1995, after her then 13-year-old daughter was sexually exploited and trafficked.  Sowden, who was also a Coquitlam school trustee and foster parent of 30 kids, is well known in the Tri-Cities community for her activism. Says Sowden “Sexual exploitation of children and youth is hidden. You can continue to be blind to it and do nothing, or educate yourself and help prevent it from happening.” Sowden retired from her position as executive director of Children of the Street Society in 2019.

Neely Yuda, Manager of Children of the Street program which now operates under PLEA Community Services Society of BC, joins Cathy Cena in studio to share valuable insights on how to support and protect children from sexual exploitation. 

Neely emphasizes the importance of building trust with kids, fostering open communication, and being attuned to signs that may indicate exploitation. This involves recognizing changes in behavior, unexplained absences, or unusual secrecy, which can sometimes be indicators of a child being at risk.

One of the most widely publicized cases of online child abuse is that of Amanda Todd, a 15-year-old Port Coquitlam high school student who committed suicide on 10 October 2012 after being cyberbullied and sexually extorted.

Neely encourages adults to educate themselves on the issues surrounding exploitation and to create a safe space where kids feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics. She advocates for preventive education, empowering both kids and caregivers to recognize red flags, and suggests being aware of resources that offer guidance and support for those affected.