The Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act (PSECA) is based
on legislation of the same name, and operates under the principle children
engaging or attempting to engage in prostitution or prostitution related
activities are victims of sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation and require
protection. The program provides specialized services to help children and
their families address issues of sexual exploitation, in an attempt to end
their involvement in prostitution. The legislation allows for the prosecution
of persons who willfully cause a child to be in need of protection, based
on the above principle.
Statement of Principles
- Sexually exploited children and youth are victims of sexual abuse
- Sexually exploited children and youth require victim protection and support services
- Youth have a right to be safe from sexual abuse and protected from sexual
exploitation
- Families should be actively involved with ensuring their child's safety
- Sexually exploited children and youth and their families may access community support
programs
- 'Johns' and 'pimps' are perpetrators of child sexual abuse and must be held
legally accountable for their behaviours
Eligibility
Calgary and Area Child and Family Services protects and supports any child or youth
who has been sexually exploited, is engaging in or at risk of becoming involved in prostitution. Services may
be available up to the age of 22.
What do I do if I Suspect a Youth is Involved in Prostitution?
Call the Child Protection Line at (403) 297-2995
Next Steps
Community support programs are available to sexually exploited children and their families who
voluntarily choose to end their involvement in prostitution. A voluntary service agreement may be
signed with the parent or guardian to provide support services to their child.
Any 16 or 17 year old may enter into a voluntary service agreement with the PSECA worker with or without
parental or guardian involvement.
Services are also provided to help children who will not voluntarily end their
involvement in prostitution. Under this program, Child and Family Services or the Police can decide if a child
involved in prostitution is at extreme risk and should be moved to a protective safe house.
- The child can be confined initially in a secure facility for up to five
days with a court order granted by a Provincial Judge. The child is provided emergency medical care
and is jointly assessed by CFSA staff, protective safe house staff and any other service provider who has had
involvement with the youth. This assessment is used to determine the support
services necessary to assist the child in making more appropriate lifestyle
choices.
- If longer confinement is necessary to access residential or treatment
resources, Child and Family Services may apply for two additional periods of confinement of up to 21 days
each.
The legislation also introduces legal penalties for 'johns' and 'pimps'. An individual
soliciting a child involved in prostitution or encouraging a child to become
involved in prostitution is guilty of child abuse. These individuals may be
fined up to $25,000, jailed for up to two years or both.
Contact Information
Calgary and Area Child and Family Services
Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Program
2nd Floor, 811 - 14th Street NW
Calgary, AB T2M 2A4
Phone (403) 297-2995
Fax (403) 297-2519
To report a child involved in prostitution, call the Child Protection
Line at
(403) 297-2995.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if my child may be involved
in or at risk of becoming involved in prostitution?
A: These are some of the warning
signs that your child may be involved in prostitution:
- Frequently absent from home without your knowing their whereabouts
- Frequently spending time in the downtown area of the city
- Has unexplained money and/or new and expensive items
- Dresses in a provocative manner
- Associates with individuals involved in prostitution or drugs
Q: Does involvement in PSECA effect guardianship
of the child?
A: No, guardianship is not affected
by PSECA status. Even when a child is confined in a protective safe house, the
rights and responsibilities of the guardian remain in effect.
Q: If my child is picked up by the police
while engaging in prostitution activities, will they be charged with solicitation?
A: No, children involved in prostitution are
victims of sexual abuse and exploitation and they will not be prosecuted as criminals.
Instead they are treated as victims and will be offered services to help end
their involvement in prostitution.
Related Information
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