Rethink Resources

In programs for and with youth in the sex trade, a knowledge of legal options and advocacy is crucial. It’s not just because of the potential for arrest that youth face trading sex for money - depending on where you live it may be a lot or very little. But also conflict with the law because of so many other potential laws broken and the relentless targeting of youth on the street, especially youth of color, by law enforcement everyday.

So first everyone needs a basic knowledge of street law and your rights when stopped by the police. It’s not that your rights won’t be trampled on often by the police (threats, tricks and blatant abuses are common). However sometimes if you follow simple guidelines as much as possible, like keep quiet as much as possible and don’t consent to a search. Potentially it can save you in a trial. It’s a practical topic that all youth need and want to know about.

Everyone needs to understand the laws they can get charged with breaking and potential penalties. We can build on the understanding that youth have developed from experience, increase that knowledge and dispel myths like cops have to tell you they’re cops for the charges to stick (they don’t - cops can lie in undercover operations).

Supporting youth in the legal process after being charged is an ambitious program to take on but extremely important. The court process is scary and mystifying. Even the presence of another adult (not even a guardian or social worker) can make a big difference in how youth are treated. If you can create a way to advocate directly with judges and the courts to argue for better options, alternatives to sentencing and keeping youth out of the criminal justice system - this is amazing for youth.

I know a lot of places are talking about federal options for not charging juveniles with prostitution offenses but instead focusing on getting youth assistance and charging the people who coerced them into the sex trade or made money off them. Clearly from the news and some federal agents I’ve spoken with, this has worked for a few youth but mostly it’s not really an option at this time. Practically speaking in the U.S., youth are way more likely to be treated as criminals. Additionally youth have little reason to trust law enforcement. I’ve witnessed many youth who have sought out help and police just don’t come through, on the issue of the sex trade or violence or almost anything.

Instead youth want options that are outside the usual legal system. Instead of relying on police who don’t respond to multiple emergency calls, we need to have community based systems we can call on. Instead of relying on a court system that based on retribution and incarceration, we need to feel the accountability from our communities and each other. So we need options for the system we live in now, but always be working towards another way to create justice in our lives.