The new law changes the name of the act from the Protection of Children Involved in Prostitution Act to the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act, to remove the stigma associated with prostitution that has caused some children and families to avoid accessing services.

The new Act becomes law on October 1, 2007 and significantly changes how this social issue is viewed by recognizing that children involved in prostitution are victims of sexual abuse. Previously, many believed that prostitution was a lifestyle choice and often, children involved in prostitution were charged with solicitation.

Under the Act, the Alberta Government has introduced programs and services to help children end their involvement in prostitution.  Voluntary community services are available up until the age of 22 for youth already involved with the program.  Changes have also been made to the publication ban to better protect kids and in keeping with the Enhancement Act. 

A child who wants to end his or her involvement in prostitution may access community support programs. A child who does not want to end his or her involvement in prostitution can be apprehended by Police or a Child Protection Worker. The Police or Child Protection Worker would then take the child to a protective safe house, where the child can be confined for up to five days. At this safe, secured facility, the child receives emergency care, treatment and an assessment. The development of a long-term plan to assist the child to exit prostitution begins.

This legislation also introduces legal penalties for johns and pimps, who can be charged with causing the child to be in need of protection and fined up to $25,000, jailed for up to two years, or both fined and imprisoned.

The new legislation gives sexually exploited children additional time to complete programs that help them end their involvement in prostitution.  Youth will be able to access voluntary services until the age of 22 to help them deal with the complex issues. For more information about the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act and the support services available, please contact your Child and Family Services Authority.

To purchase a copy of the Act, contact the Queen's Printer Bookstore.