LiMandri & Jonna LLP Helps Children of the Immaculate Heart Resolve the Litigation with the California Department of Social Services Over the Licensing of Its Rescue Home for Trafficked Youth

SAN DIEGO, California – LiMandri & Jonna LLP is pleased to announce the resolution of litigation concerning Children of the Immaculate Heart’s (CIH) application for a state license to open The Refuge, a short-term residential therapeutic program (STRTP) for sex-trafficked youth. CIH had filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Social Services and its director, Kimberley Johnson, in November 2019 – asserting constitutional violations in connection with CIH’s pending license application.

The parties informally resolved the litigation.  On June 10, 2020, the Department issued CIH a STRTP provisional license to begin operating the program.

Now that CIH has obtained a provisional STRTP license, CIH may begin providing therapeutic services and supports for trafficked youth referred by the San Diego County Department of Probation and Child Welfare Services. The four-bedroom home in North County offers a 6 month intensive program for sex-trafficked youth who need intensive trauma-informed care. Services include targeted mental health treatment; family relationship building; developing life skills such as self-care and job readiness; and academic success counseling.

“We are pleased that we were able to resolve this important litigation matter,” said Paul M. Jonna, LiMandri & Jonna LLP partner and lead attorney for CIH. “This paves the way for CIH to provide a safe place and loving care for dozens of youth. ”

LiMandri & Jonna LLP served as CIH’s lead counsel, and the Thomas More Society served as co-counsel.