NCJ Number
189251
Date Published
April 1999
Length
113 pages
Annotation
This monograph examines both domestic and international responses to the prostitution of children within the United States and in foreign countries, with emphasis on the nature and scope of the problem, State and Federal law and law enforcement initiatives to deal with this form of sexual exploitation, and child prostitution globally.
Abstract
Children who become involved in prostitution have often experienced previous physical or sexual abuse, may engage in delinquent or criminal activity, and often have a distrust of adults, including those who want to help them. Up to 300,000 prostituted children may live on the streets. Most are females. Many are only 11 or 12 years old. Children become involved in prostitution through many patterns; one of the most common for young females involves the search for love and acceptance. These youths are vulnerable to victimization, delinquent or criminal activities, and health problems. Law enforcement has made fewer advances in response to juvenile prostitution than in other areas. Successful model programs rest mainly on multidisciplinary and multijurisdictional models. Policy and practice issues include the role of the juvenile court, parental involvement or disinterest, and lack of needed services. In addition, prostituted children worldwide experience exploitation by both local and foreign patrons, trafficking across country borders, and virtual slavery or debt bondage by the brothel owners who purchase them. Numerous treaties, United Nations conventions and programs, and other international initiatives address child prostitution and sex tourism. However, the international agreements have varying degrees of enforceability and often rely entirely on the voluntary cooperation of countries. Tables, reference notes, list of resource organizations, and 73 references