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.

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