Disclaimer: Nothing in this Protocol is intended to create any substantive or procedural rights, privileges or benefits enforceable in 

any administrative, civil or criminal matters by any prospective or actual defendants, witnesses, or parties.

The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a growing problem 

in . It is, in a sense, a form of modern-day slavery involving the sexual 

abuse and exploitation of children for financial gain. In response, local, state and 

federal law enforcement agencies have partnered with and other social 

service organizations in an effort to develop a multi-disciplinary approach to the 

problem. 

Definition of ‘Victim’

A victim is a child or teenager, under age

18 (or up to age 21 with developmental

disabilities who is in the care of DCYF) who

is forced, coerced, enticed or persuaded to

exchange sex for food, money, shelter, drugs,

clothing, or anything of value to the child.

According to studies cited by the National

Center for Missing and Exploited Children

(NCMEC), the average age of entry into

CSEC is 14 and the median age of involved

teens is 15-16 years old. These numbers are 

consistent with the trends seen in .

Sexually exploited children are quite diverse, 

representing a range 

of life circumstances and socioeconomic

backgrounds (Estes, R. & Weiner, N., 2001).

It cannot be overstated that there is no such

person as a child prostitute; these children

and youth are victims of sexual abuse. These

individuals are manipulated, coerced and

controlled by pimps and johns, and they

require interventions that empower the child 

to acknowledge and attempt to address their 

victimization. 

Risk Factors 

The following conditions and life 

circumstances do not predict youth 

involvement in prostitution. However, their 

presence and influence create a climate of 

risk in which children and teens are more 

susceptible to exploiters:

• Homelessness

• Substance Abuse

• Sexual Abuse

• Trouble in school

• Involvement in the child

• Welfare system

• Physical abuse

• Neglect

• History of missing from care
Disclaimer: Nothing in this Protocol is intended to create any substantive or procedural rights, privileges or benefits enforceable in 

any administrative, civil or criminal matters by any prospective or actual defendants, witnesses, or parties.

Commercial Sexual Exploitation Of 

Children First Responder Protocol

SCREEN FOR POTENTIAL VICTIM:

• Age (Under 18)

• Signs Of Violence, Fear, Coercion

VICTIM IDENTIFIED

• Admits being trafficked, and/or

• Independent evidence of prostitution

Suspicion of CSEC but insufficient

evidence:

Refer to for additional screening

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE:

1. On Scene

Assessment

2. Call police

dept’s POC

for human

trafficking

3. Report to

Hotline

4. Call :

xxx-xxx-xxxx

5. Call parent

if appropriate

6. Call :

xxx-xxxxxxx

ON SCENE ASSESSMENT:

• Assess victim’s safety

• There should be no arrest of

victim for prostitution crimes

• Collect evidence (condoms,

phones, money)

• Limited interview if possible

• Consult with and

whenever possible

• Transport to after

consultation with

POLICE DEPARTMENT’S 

CSEC POC 

• POC should email and call

and MDT Coordinator ASAP

• Email should include: names of

victims; names of targets; time,

date and location of encounter;

any other pertinent information

• Coordinator should add to

database and offer task force

assistance

• will coordinate

assistance and discuss

possible charges ASAP

X CENTER

• will assess need for

immediate hospital

admission

• If no admission, will 

schedule outpatient visit

• should participate

in MDT process

X

• Coordinator will convene conference call within 48 

hours of encounter

• may consist of: and 

• Additional team members may be added as necessary

• Future meetings will be scheduled as necessary by MDT

coordinator