Sexual exploitation of a youth under the age of 18 is a form of violence that involves the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing or soliciting of a child or person for the purpose of a commercial sex act.
If you are a child, parent, foster parent, friend or neighbor, and you notice the signs that a child or foster youth is being exploited, please report it immediately at (800) 540-4000.
Melanie was born with the cards stacked against her.
“Since day one, it was an ongoing struggle. When I was born, I was in the hospital for three months because I have cystic fibrosis. It’s like taking a bendy straw, and breathing through it all day so daily tasks require extraordinary effort. It’s extremely tiring and takes time out of the days, I take 50 pills a day.”
Handling health implications while in foster care requires a team of support. Melanie relied on her social worker, her grandmother, and her boyfriend to get her through the hard times. In December of 2017, she was hospitalized for several months in the midst of her senior year. With the incredible team of support at her disposal, she was able to get back on track and graduate with DCFS’ Disney Concert Hall graduating class of 2018.
If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, there are people, including your DCFS social worker, who are willing to listen without judging you or your story. They will not report you to the police, but will offer you the support you need, and can help connect you to additional supportive programs.
Commercial sexual exploitation is a severe form of child abuse – report it!
Federal Law defines Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children as:
“The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act. Severe forms of trafficking in persons” is defined as “sex trafficking in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age.” [Federal law 22 USC section 7102 (9) and (10)]
California State Law expands upon this by defining Commercial Sexual Exploitation as:
“Any sex act on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person.” [PC section 11165.1(d)(2)]
This means that any child under age 18 who is induced to perform a commercial sex act is considered a sex trafficking victim regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is present. California law includes the provision of food, shelter, or payment to a child in exchange for the performance of a sexual act.
If you are a child, parent, foster parent, friend or neighbor, and you notice the signs that a child or foster youth is being exploited, please report it immediately at (800) 540-4000.
Youth glamorizing pimping/the commercial sex industry
Frequent or multiple Sexually Transmitted-Infections
Unplanned pregnancies
NOTE: these findings alone do not always indicate that exploitation has occurred.
Resources for Sexually Exploited Youth
It’s never too late to get out of “the life”. However, it is a process. Many survivors struggle for years to leave. During this time, young people may feel confused, angry or alone, but there are people who can help. The following resources are available to help you if you find yourself in the life.
Important Phone Numbers
Child Protection Hotline: (800) 540-4000
24-hr National Human Trafficking Hotline: (888) 373-7888