According to national estimates, there are 100,000 children in the commercial sex trade in the United States. All too often, these children are arrested and prosecuted for prostitution. However, they are kids, not criminals.There are better policy approaches and better options, ones that literally save the lives of children and teens.
Safe Harbor laws are that better option. These laws define these sexually exploited children as victims of abuse, help them find protection and support, and grant them immunity from prosecution for prostitution while they are under 18 years of age. Safe Harbor laws should also increase funding for specialized services like long-term housing, mental health care, educational support, and job training to help these children recover.