The proposed Bill No. 521 aims to enhance protections for children and youth in Connecticut against sex trafficking. Key provisions include updating criminal statutes to address conduct against minors and include buyer conduct, as well as developing policy guidance for responding to foreign national child sex trafficking victims. The bill mandates child welfare and juvenile justice agencies to conduct trauma-informed screenings for at-risk children and provide specialized services for those identified as sex-trafficked. Additionally, it allows victims of commercial sexual exploitation to obtain orders of protection against their exploiters and enables all such victims to testify by alternative methods, regardless of age.

Further, the bill introduces a requirement for a dedicated caseworker for victims of commercial sexual exploitation, ensuring that their communications with the caseworker are privileged and protected from disclosure. It also mandates state-wide training for child welfare and juvenile justice agencies to improve identification and response to child sex trafficking. The bill reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue, with significant insertions aimed at strengthening legal protections and support systems for vulnerable children and youth.