Prepared Statement by Ernest E Allen, Ronald J Pregliasco, and John B Rabun, Jr (From Exploitation of Children - Hearing, P 63-86, 1981 - See NCJ-87283)

• NCJ Number: 87284
• Author(s): E E Allen; R J Pregliasco; J B Rabun
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 24 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-87283

Annotation

This testimony describes the work of the Jefferson County Task Force on Child Prostitution and Pornography (Kentucky) and recommends action at the Federal level for dealing with the sexual exploitation of children.

Abstract

In developing public awareness of the problems of child prostitution and child pornography, a public education campaign was launched, and a 24-hour telephone information line was established to receive citizen reports on child pornography and prostitution. The Exploited Child Unit (ECU) was established as an arm of the county Department for Human Services. The ECU investigates cases of youth at risk or already involved in prostitution or pornography and assists the police in the criminal investigation of the sexual exploitation of children. The cornerstone of the entire effort is a team that consists of ECU social workers, city police youth officers, and county police intelligence officers. This team spearheads cooperative efforts in dealing with the sexual exploitation of children. Information and intelligence is an important aspect of the work, and information referrals and attention given to child victimization problems has increased dramatically since the establishment of the ECU and the police/social work team. As a result of the cooperative police effort, aggressive social work, and a close liaison with prosecution, a strong effort has been made in identifying hidden victims, learning about the system of child exploitation, and developing a data base for further system programs and efforts. Recommendations for Federal action include (1) the establishment of a national intelligence network for the exchange of information on the exploitation and victimization of juveniles, (2) funding for research and programs, (3) an extensive program of public education, (4) the convening of a national symposium on the victimization of juveniles, and (5) the expansion of the Federal role and jurisdiction in child victim cases. A research project that gathered a data base on child prostitution is described, and tabular data are presented.