Help is available to children involved in prostitution through the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act.

This legislation, which came into effect February 1, 1999 and amended on October 1, 2007 significantly changed how this social issue was viewed by recognizing that children involved in prostitution are victims of sexual abuse. Previously, many believed that prostitution was a lifestyle choice and children involved in prostitution were often charged with solicitation.

Under the act, the Government of Alberta has introduced programs and services to help children end their involvement in prostitution.

A child who wants to end his or her involvement in prostitution may access community support programs. A child who does not want to end his or her involvement in prostitution can be apprehended by the police or a child protection worker. The police or child protection worker would then take the child to a protective safe house where the child can be confined for up to five days. At this safe, secured facility, the child receives emergency care, treatment and an assessment. The development of a long-term plan to assist the child to exit prostitution begins.

This legislation also introduces legal penalties for johns and pimps, who can be charged with causing the child to be in need of protection and fined up to $25,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.

The Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act is one of the initiatives outlined in the Alberta Children and Youth Services Initiative. This plan outlines four goals that government and communities are working toward when planning children's services: children will be well cared for; safe; successful at learning; and healthy.

For more information about the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act and the support services available, please contact your local Children's Resource Centre.