Selective prevention of risk behaviors for adolescent survivors of sexual exploitation and/or those in vulnerable or socially at-risk conditions in Costa Rica

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Mission

To promote changes in the quality of life of adolescents affected by sexual exploitation and/or living in vulnerability or social risk through comprehensive care and preventive strategies.

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Vision

To become a national model program for preventing risk behaviors in adolescent survivors of sexual exploitation and/or those in vulnerable or socially at-risk conditions.

The program is based on a prevention model that seeks to restore the human rights of adolescents through comprehensive care. This includes interdisciplinary work, spiritual counseling, skill development, family strengthening, and access to support networks for holistic growth. It also involves both public and private institutions that offer services to adolescents in vulnerable social conditions.

Program Description

Individual Attention Plan: When an adolescent decides to join the program and begins the process, prevention team professionals create an individual care plan tailored to their prioritized needs and the interdisciplinary team’s assessment. Family, community, and social support are also coordinated to increase the chances of success.

Spiritual Support: Participants are offered a space for spiritual development where they receive guidance and learn to strengthen their relationship with God, gaining new perspectives to face adversity. Activities include weekly devotionals, monthly worship services, retreats, and individual spiritual counseling.

Group Attention: Socio-educational work, both virtual and in-person, promotes the development of social, interpersonal, and emotional skills among participants through group work and workshops.

Target Population

The program provides direct prevention services to underage girls and boys who are survivors of sexual exploitation and/or live in vulnerable or socially at-risk conditions in Costa Rica. It also indirectly serves the families of those minors from early childhood onward.