Changing policies and systems to really help youth in the sex trade

Abstract

Most of the time we talk about helping teens being trafficked, being pimped out or trading sex for money or survival needs as individuals and improving programs to meet the immediate needs of youth on a one to one basis. This is crucial to help young people impacted by the sex trade. However in order to create systemic change that will help all youth, we need to be advocating and fighting for policy and systems level changes.

This interactive workshop will help people think about what systemic and policy level changes are needed to help youth who are at risk of getting involved in the sex trade or are already involved. Many start with the criminal justice system and support efforts to change the law so (at least) minors won’t be arrested for prostitution. We could demand more safe affordable housing, jobs for youth, and education options. We could be working to end child sexual abuse, police brutality and forced psychiatric hospitalizations.

After a short presentation on the potential for policy and systems change for youth in the sex trade, participants will break up into small groups to share, explore and talk out ideas for what we can do in our communities. Workshop participants will report back on their discussions and return notes from their small groups to be transcribed after the conference and sent to all who participate so we can take action in our communities and support efforts already happening.

Claudine O’Leary, B.A.
Organization: Rethink Resources, Community Educator and Consultant
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Title of Presentation: Changing policies and systems to really help youth in the sex trade