Federal agency aims to raise awareness on child prostitution

Jen Lawson

Friday, Dec. 5, 2003 | 6:10 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION Dec. 6 - 7, 2003

The national Office of Juvenile Delinquency Prevention is trying to get more people involved in the fight against child prostitution throughout the United States, from police and lawmakers to teachers and community groups.

Child prostitution is "underreported, underrecognized and undertreated" nationwide, and changing that is now a top priority for the national agency, its administrator, J. Robert Flores, said.

That's why the agency is conducting a live national satellite videoconference, "Working Together to Stop the Prostitution of Children," from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday.

The videoconference, which is aimed primarily at policymakers, juvenile justice professionals and police, is open to the public. One of its goals is to raise awareness about the sexual exploitation of children.

The broadcast will present strategies for protecting and supporting victims. It will also highlight the importance of personal safety and awareness and explore effective prosecution strategies. There will be an emphasis on collaboration among public and private agencies and community-based organizations. For information on the videoconference or to register online, visit www.trc.eku.edu /jj.