Identifying reasons for entry into these behaviors such as childhood abuse[1] and dysfunctional homes is important to understanding the nature of the crime and circumstances unique to girls.
[1] The Alameda County Girls Court handles young women who have been recruited as child prostitutes or are considered at risk for involvement.
A 2013 survey of 113 sexually exploited youths by WestCoast Children's Clinic found that 75 percent of such youngsters here and in a neighboring county had experienced abuse and neglect.
[1] In Los Angeles County, a sex trafficking court diverts girls to local foster care agencies and social service providers, while the probation department now has a dedicated unit to support young victims.
Girls Court is a collaboration between Department of Juvenile Justice, Family Support Services, The Fourth Judicial Circuit, the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center and many more valuable community providers.
[1] A related program, Project Kealahou, emphasized services such as peer mentoring and repairing family relationships, leading, in 2022, resulted in zero girls in its youth correctional facilities.
New York State's Safe Harbor law, the country's first, classifies trafficked minors through age 17 as needing supervision rather than probation.
[7] In Wisconsin a Milwaukee County Committee is considering a girl court that will be aimed at young women who are accused of sex trafficking.