Child “Prostitution”: Legal and Policy Frameworks: Examining the Criminalization of Child Victims

Abstract

This paper aims to illuminate how existing laws in the juvenile justice system exacerbate the victimization of children, hinder access to justice, and perpetuate cycles of harm, ultimately advocating for reforms that prioritize victim-centered approaches and address the root causes of exploitation. This paper examines several case studies and hopes to provide insight into the importance of reform of the juvenile justice system while also prompting up-to-date research.