U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada | U.S. Department of Justice
Federal and local government officials have announced a new initiative to enhance cyber safety education for students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The United States Attorney’s Office, LAUSD, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide cybersecurity training aimed at safeguarding students from online threats.
LAUSD, the largest public school system in California and the second-largest in the nation, serves over 600,000 students. The collaboration with HSI and the USAO seeks to combat child sexual exploitation by educating preteens and teenagers about online safety. The program can also be adapted for younger children, staff, or parents. Dr. Alfonzo Webb represents LAUSD in this partnership.
"Nothing is more important than protecting and uplifting our children," stated United States Attorney Martin Estrada. "We are proud to team up with LAUSD and HSI to educate more young people about internet dangers."
HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang emphasized the proactive approach of this partnership: "This partnership with LAUSD and DOJ is taking a proactive approach to educating students and trusted adults about the dangers our children face online."
Dr. Alfonzo Webb added that the collaboration aims to ensure that "our students, staff, and parents are educated on the latest and most effective online safety practices."
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho highlighted the importance of awareness: "Our students need to be aware of online dangers in order to be protected and empowered."
The initiative includes HSI's revamped Project iGuardian, part of Know2Protect—a national campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This program focuses on raising awareness about online child sexual exploitation.
Project iGuardian agents will provide training sessions led by HSI Los Angeles special agents from the Child Exploitation Investigations Group under Supervisory Special Agent Jaclyn Jacobson's leadership.
The USAO in Los Angeles actively participates in Project Safe Childhood (PSC), which targets child sexual exploitation through high-impact prosecutions. Former PSC Coordinators Catharine A. Richmond and Kellye M. Ng will facilitate this initiative.
Launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to combat child exploitation via the internet while rescuing victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
