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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2006.04.27 - 28053REPORT (MISC. 106069) April 6, 2006 BY: Public Services Committee, Jeff Potter, Chairman IN RE: MR #06069 — Board of Commissioners — Campaign to Prevent the Exploitation of Children To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen: The Public Services Committee, having reviewed the above-titled resolution on March 28, 2006, reports with the recommendation that the resolution be adopted. Chairperson, on behalf of the Public Services Committee, I move acceptance of the foregoing report. PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE: Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. Miscellaneous Resolution #06069 BY: Commissioner Eric Coleman, District #23 RE: Board of Commissioners - Campaign to Prevent the Exploitation of Children TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen: WHEREAS according to the U.S. Department of Justice, in a one-year period, an estimated 1.6 million children either ran away from or were thrown out of their homes; and WHEREAS an estimated 40,000 of these children will be involved in some form of sexual exploitation and victimization by predators; and WHEREAS many child victims of prostitution are abandoned or neglected children, who have not been reported missing to law enforcement or have run away from their homes or foster care; and WHEREAS the average age at which a child enters into prostitution is 14 years old. However, children as young as 9 years old are being exploited; and WHEREAS although hundreds of thousands of children have been lured into prostitution, it is far too often overlooked that a child can never consent to prostitution - it is always exploitation; and WHEREAS though the prostitution of female children is more widely publicized, male children are also susceptible to the same dangers as females in this world of exploitation; and WHEREAS the dangers that children face as a result of prostitution are both immediate and long-term. Most immediate is the physical, mental and emotional violence that these once innocent children experience at the hands of pimps, madams and customers. Long- term dangers include health problems, drug additions, adverse psychological effects and even death; and WHEREAS the most tangible consequence for children involved in prostitution is the extremely high probability of suffering violent assault. Prostituted children are often afraid to report these crimes to law enforcement because they are embarrassed and fearful that the charges would not be taken seriously or that they may be arrested themselves; and WHEREAS housing instability, poverty, untreated psychological and emotional problems, substance abuse, educational and vocational failure and major problems at home have all been cited as common precipitating factors in the lives of exploited children; and WHEREAS the children's young age, inadequate education and lack of the necessary street sense to survive alone all contribute to them resorting to engaging in exchanging sex for food, money, shelter, drugs or protection. WHEREAS the National Association of Counties' (NACo) Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) and the National Center for Missing and exploited Children (NCMEC) have partnered for a national campaign to promote child safety and help prevent the commercial child sexual exploitation; and WHEREAS this national campaign is being launched here in Oakland County to heighten the public awareness of child sexual exploitation and help give communities across the United States effective strategies and tools to better safeguard their children; and WHEREAS the national campaign urges key stakeholders within a community to begin dialogues on topics related to child sexual exploitation and advocating for the prevention of such victimization; and WHEREAS local communities are requested to join in demonstrating their commitment to protecting children and to send a clear message to child sexual offenders that the criminal and sexual victimization of children will not be tolerated. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners hereby joins with the National Association of Counties' (NACo) Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to initiate a campaign dedicated to preventing commercial child sexual exploitation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners hereby establishes a Task Force to establish the framework for a comprehensive strategy to address child sexual exploitation and engage in a public awareness campaign in Oakland County. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners urges the participation of key stakeholders from Oakland County's family court system, sheriffs office, local law enforcement, prosecutor's office, health and human services, victim service agencies and community organizations on the Task Force. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners designate Commissioner Eric Coleman as Chairperson of the Task Force and encourages all Commissioners and representatives from county departments that share an interest in preventing these crimes against children to join in this effort. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds is requested to forward copies of this adopted resolution to the National Association of Counties, NACo's Large Urban County Caucus, the Michigan Association of Counties, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. omfnissioner Eric Coleman istrict #23 District # I Chairperson, we move the adoptio foregoing esolutio commissioner Commissioner District # 6111-e-IJ Commission t' 24- Commissioner District # 11P-N. Commission& District # Copirrfiss i ones_ District # 5 (IA CA_ seorn:sio-e-r District # c;2 igut_i245_49) Commissioner Distrkt #2- ComVssiorr Distiict # -sioner Disfrict # ci( Commissione District # Co ssi-oner District # Cothmissioner District # Commissioner Distrit-# ommissioner District # ( Commissioner Dist" # i) Cqinmissioner strict #irat_ Commissioner District # f( Commissioner District # Commissioner District # Commissioner District # PROSTITUTION IS A TERRIBLE LIFE. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU'RE 13 YEARS OLD. A! era dis le year old vic1141 postivaiort orra • IS "or Lawman alam00•••n• avaret••• ard ail Ow rmatatir let who void be al elk. 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DRAFT Campaign Against Sexual Exploitation NATIONAL CENTER FORM MISSING & =NAMED CHILDREN` DRAFT Key Findings • In a one year period, an estimated 1,682,900 children had a runaway/thrownaway episode. 1 • Of the total runaway/thrownaway children, an estimated 1,190,900 (71 percent) were estimated to be endangered during their runaway/thrownaway episode by virtue of factors such as substance dependency, use of hard drugs, sexual or rhysical abuse, presence in a place where criminal activity was occurring, or extremely young age (13 years old or younger). 2 • Approximately 38,600 runaway/thrownaway children will have some type of involvement in sexual trafficking. 3 • Children ages 15-17 made up two-thirds of the youth with runaway/thrownaway episodes during the study year. 4 • The average age at which a child enters prostitution is reported as 14.5 • Many child victims of prostitution are abandoned or neglected children who have not been reported as missing to law enforcement or have runaway from their homes or foster care.6 • Children can never consent to prostitution; it is always exploitation! As reported by David Finkelhor, Heather Hammer, Andrea J. Sedlak, and Dana J. Schultz in "Runaway/Thrownaway Children: National Estimates and Characteristics," National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Throvmaway Children, Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice, October 2002, page 2. 2 ibid. 3 'bid, page 6. 4 Ibid. 5 Eva J. Klein. Prostitution of Children and Child-Sex Tourism: An Analysis of Domestic and International Responses. Alexandria, Virginia: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 1999, page 2. 6 As reported by David Finkelhor, Heather Hammer, Andrea J. Sedlak, and Dana J. Schultz in "Runaway/Thrownaway Children: National Estimates and Characteristics," National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Children, Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice, October 2002, page 6. 2 DRAFT What is the Prostitution of Children? Prostitution is generally defined as performing, offering, or agreeing to perform a sexual act for any money, property, token, object, article, or anything of value.1 Prostitution of children, therefore, is defined as the sexual exploitation of a child for remuneration in cash or in-kind, usually but not always organized by an intermediary such as a procurer, family member, pimp, or madam. Hundreds of thousands of children have been lured into prostitution.2 Though the prostitution of female children is more widely publicized, male children are also susceptible to the same dangers as females in this world of exploitation. Dangers to Children The dangers children face as a result of prostitution are both immediate and long-term. Most immediate is the physical, mental, and emotional violence these children experience at the hands of pimps, madams, and customers. Long-term dangers include health problems, drug addictions, adverse psychological effects, and even death. The most tangible consequence for children involved in prostitution is the extremely high probability of suffering violent assault. Not only are child victims of prostitution in danger from street life and pimps who prey on them, but the customers also pose great risks including forced perversion, jape, and physical abuse and beatings. At least two thirds are victimized by both customers and pimps. Violence from pimps tends to be more frequent, and violence by customers is more dangerous but sporadic.4 Prostituted children are often afraid to report these crimes to law enforcement because they are embarrassed and fearful that the charges would not be taken seriously or they may be arrested themselves. What Are Some of the Causes of this Crime? Homelessness, poverty, and intolerance of their sexual orientation may all affect children who either are or have been prostituted. General psychological and emotional problems, housing instability, substance abuse, educational and vocational failure, and major problems at home have all been cited as common precipitating factors in the lives of prostituted children. 5 The children's young age, lack of education, and lack of the necessary street sense to survive alone 6 contribute to their need to engage in survival sex, or the exchange 7of sex for food, money, shelter, drugs, or protection that defines many of these young people's lives. Long-Term Psychological Effects to Children Children who experience inappropriate sexual activity of a violent or nonviolent nature, are psychologically impacted by a combination of the trauma of the assault itself coupled with the distorted information exploiters use to justify their sexual behavior. Some of the many psychological effects of assault may be revealed through the child suffering from depression, dissociation, and posttraumatic shock. To cope with their painful reality, more than three quarters are diagnosed as abusing drugs or alcohol as a temporary escape.8 The existence of a drug culture in street life is truly a double-edged sword. Being sexually exploited through prostitution may result in a higher risk of substance abuse, and abusing substances places children at a higher risk for prostitution.8 Prostituted children may internalize feelings of guilt for their participation in sexual acts which may lead to additional promiscuity or the engagement in other reckless behaviors. Children on the streets are not only more likely to be clinically depressed, but they are also twice as likely to have a serious mental-health problem and almost twice as likely to be actively suicidal or to have previously attempted suicide." In one group of youth involved in prostitution, who were interviewed in shelters, 71 percent reportes1 suicidal ideation, 33 percent had a lethal plan, and 14 percent reported a previous attempt at suicide. II 3 DRAFT What Are the Trends in Prostitution in the United States? Many child victims of prostitution are only 11 or 12 years old, and some are as young as 9.12 The average age at which they enter prostitution is reported as 14, and the median age of involved youth is 15.5 years." These children come from inner cities, suburbs, and small towns, and there appears to be an increase in the recruitment of middle-class youth from schools and shopping malls in the suburbs.14 The vast majority of youth involved in prostitution are girls,15 although some service prpviders see an increase in the number of boys. Some attribute this to a greater willingness by boys to disclose their sexual activities.16 Larger cities are more likely to have a higher proportion of boys involved in prostitution however, service providers in smaller cities report seeing an increase in prostitution activities.1 "Prostitution is a seasonal problem. It is most prevalent during the warmer months and in cities with warmer climates. During the peak seasons for prostitution in the larger cities throughout the United States, there can be as many as 500 prostitutes on the streets. At least 25-30 percent of those prostitutes are children younger than 18.15 Child victims of prostitution are not running from poverty, rather in many cases they are unning away from a dysfunctional family where they suffered physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse. The children who become involved in prostitution have often suffered previous physical or sexual abuse and may be dealing with the attendant anger and low self-esteem.lb' They may engage in delinquent or criminal activity, causing others to view them more as offenders than victims.`sp And they very likely too, and often with good reason, have a distrust of adults, even those who want to help them. These children crave attention, affection, and love. This can make the child vulnerable to manipulation by a pimp, a madam, or another person or group seeking to exploit the child. Initially a pimp seduces the child by providing comfort, protection, and understanding.21 As he gains the child's trust, he further alienates the child, increasing the child's dependency on him.22 Once a child is financially and emotionally dependent on a pimp, he introduces the child to the world of crmercial sexual exploitation.23 Pimps control 80 to 90 percent of prostitution and can be men or women. A common trend in the prostitution of children involves taking the child far from home to both avoid immediate detection and decrease the chances of the child returning home. The child's exploiter may travel with the child to many cities depending on tourist or event traffic in certain areas of the country. The prostitution of children is the most overlooked form of child exploitation in the United States. The issue is often treated as a nuisance crime by local law enforcement. There is also the misconception that juveniles are willing participants in their own victimization. Having experienced unimaginable exploitation, they are truly victims in desperate need of help. Professionals from a variety of disciplines including the court system, law enforcement, and victim's service agencies must increase their collective efforts to combat this problem. 4 DRAFT End Notes 118 U.S.C. 2431,2423(a). 2R.J• Estes and Neil A. Weiner. The Commercial Sexud Exploitation of Children in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work, 2001, pages 11-12, Estes and Weiner summarized research findings regarding the nature, extent, possible causes, and other factors associated with the commercial sexual exploitation of children. The authors used a variety of research methods including interviews, focus groups, and conferences. They report 293,746 children either living at home or on the streets were child victims of prostitution during the 27-month period from January 1, 1999, to March 21,2001. 3Eva J. Klain. Prostitution of Children and Child-Sex Tourism: An Analysis of Domestic and International Responses. Alexandria, Virginia: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 1999, page 7 [hereinafter Analysis of Responses], citing Jean Faugier and Mary Sargeant, "Boyfriends, 'Pimps' and Clients" in Rethinking Prostitution: Purchasing Sex in the 1990's, Scambler & Scambler eds., London: Routledge, 1997, page 124. `Analysis of Responses, supra note 3, page 7, citing Debra Whitcomb and Julie Eastin. Joining Forces Against Child Sexual Exploitation: Models for a Multijurisdictional Approach. Washington, D.C.: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice, 1998, page 37 [hereinafter Joining Forces]. 5Analysis of Responses, supra note 3, page 3. 5/Analysis of Responses, supra note 3, page 2, citing Mimi H. Silbert and Ayala M. Pines, "Entrance into Prostitution", 13 Youth & Society, 1982, pages 471,473 [hereinafter Entrance into Prostitution]. 'Analysis of Responses, supra note 3, page 2, citing Richard T. Sullivan, 'The Challenge of HIV Prevention Among High-Risk Adolescents," 21 Health and Social Work, 1996, pages 58, 60. 5Analysis of Responses, supra note 3, page 9, citing Beth E. Molnar et al., "Suicidal Behavior and Sexual/Physical Abuse Among Street Youth," 22 Child Abuse and Neglect 1998, page 219. 5/Analysis of Responses, supra note 3, page 9, citing Debra Whitcomb, Edward De Vos, and Barbara E. Smith. Program to Increase Understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation, Final Report, Educational Development Center, Inc., and ABA Center on Children and the Law, 1998, page 21 [hereinafter Understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation]. "Analysis of Responses, supra note 3, page 8. uki., page 2, citing Entrance into Prostitution, supra note 6, page 473. I3/d., page 2, citing Understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation, supra note 9. 14/d., page 2, citing Joining Forces, supra note 4, page 36. 151d., page 2, citing Understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation, supra note 9, page 3. '6/d. "Id. 16Joe Haggarty. Material presented at the Prostitution and Related Offenses Workshop on October 15, 1997, at the Metropolitan Police Department Training Center, in Washington, D.C. "Analysis of Responses, supra note 3, page 1. 20/d. 21 /d., page 4. 221d. 23 a 240., page 5, citing Kathleen Barry. The Prostitution of Sexuality. New York, New York: University Press 1995, page 198. 5 DRAFT Campaign Against Child Sexual Exploitation — we're here because they're out there Child sexual exploitation has effects that may last a lifetime. Many children will battle depression, posttraumatic stress syndrome, or become drug abusers; some may even become sexual offenders themselves. This type of victimization often carries with it an enormous social and financial burden not only on the individual victims, but on an entire community. Putting an end to child prostitution is not the responsibility of one bvel of government or one segment of society. It requires the involvement of the entire community. Intolerance of sexual offenders is only as powerful as our unyielding and consistent commitment to protecting the lives of children. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) has partnered with the National Association of Counties' (NACo) Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) to launch a campaign against child sexual exploitation — we're here because they're out there. This launch is a follow up to the 2003 campaign against child sexual exploitation and is being done to increase the awareness of child sexual exploitation and help give communities across the United States effective strategies and tools to help better safeguard their children by preventing sexual crimes against children. Throughout this campaign key stakeholders within a jurisdiction are encouraged to distribute information and begin a dialogue on topics related to child sexual exploitation and the prevention of such victimization. The campaign actions should culminate with one major event designed to wrap up the preceding events, ultimately sending a clear message to the community that you care about the lives of your children and a message to sex offenders that you've had enough! During the planning and implementation of campaign events, NCMEC encourages notification about all events to local media outlets, e.g. public access channels and newspapers. Local and national press coverage will not only highlight your community's commitment to protecting children, but will also send a clear message to child sexual offenders that criminal and sexual victimization of children will not be tolerated. One of the keys to making this campaign a success is sustainability. By launching this campaign in your community, you will have established a framework for a comprehensive strategy to address child sexual exploitation in your community. Community leaders must continue to adapt to the needs of their communities, urging continued collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders. Additionally, communities must consistently hold sexual offenders accountable for their crimes against children. NCMEC recommends that all campaign events occur regularly, as indicated by the community's needs. NCMEC has prepared a tool kit that will guide you through the planning, implementation, and subsequent stages of this public awareness campaign. On the following pages are lists of suggested stakeholders and topics of discussion as well as campaign event ideas. 6 DRAFT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children ® Background The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) works with law enforcement assisting in the location and recovery of missing, abducted and endangered children and educating the public on prevention measures aimed at keeping children safer. NCMEC is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, operating under a Congressional mandate and in cooperation with the United States Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Through NCMEC's 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOSr, and its websites, www.missingkids.com and www.cybertipline.com , law enforcement and the public can report missing children and those children who may be victims of sexual exploitation, including child pornography, prostitution, sex tourism, sexual molestation, online enticement, and unsolicited obscene material sent to a child. In 1996, the US Congress established the Exploited Child Unit (ECU) within NCMEC. The ECU serves as a resource to parents and guardians, law enforcement, and others regarding issues surrounding the sexual exploitation of children. NCMEC regularly offers training opportunities for law-enforcement officers, prosecutors, and educators through the Jimmy Ryce Law Enforcement Training Center (JRLETC). These courses enable participants to engage with other professionals, explore model policies, and discover many resources available to aid in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving missing and exploited children. Delivered by a team of certified experts, NCMEC programs are recognized by state and national accreditation agencies. 9 Resolution #06069 March 23, 2006 The Chairperson referred the resolution to the Public Services Committee. There were no objections. Resolution #06069 April 27, 2006 Moved by Coleman supported by Potter the resolution be adopted. Moved by Coleman supported by Potter the Public Services Committee Report be accepted. A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the report was accepted. Discussion followed. Vote on resolution: AYES: Douglas, Gershenson, Gregory, Hatchett, Jamian, KowaII, Long, Melton, Middleton, Molnar, Moss, Nash, Palmer, Patterson, Potter, Rogers, Scott, Suarez, Wilson, Woodward, Zack, Bullard, Coleman, Coulter, Crawford. (25) NAYS: None. (0) A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the resolution was adopted. I REV APPROg, THE FOREGONG RESOLUTION s-// /0 STATE OF MICHIGAN) COUNTY OF OAKLAND) I, Ruth Johnson, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on April 27, 2006, with the original record thereof now remaining in my office. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County of Oakland at Pontiac, Michigan this 27th day of April, 2006. RiTtlaWrin, County Clerk