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FAQ
Do I file a 51A when I am concerned a teenager is being sexually exploited/engaging in prostitution?
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children defines the prostitution of children 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 madame."
Known Sexual Exploitation/Prostitution
- A child under the age of 18 discloses that s/he exchanged sex for food, money, shelter, drugs, clothing or other basic needs.
What to do?
1. The prostitution or sexual exploitation of a child is a form of child abuse, and therefore a report of child abuse must be filed in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 119, section 51A-F. In accordance with established procedure, all mandated reporters should make an oral report to DSS when they know a child under the age of 18 is being prostituted or sexually exploited. Mandated reporters must also submit a written report within 48 hours of making the oral report.
2. Prior to filing a 51A, the provider must complete a basic safety assessment of the child. This entails completing a violence and lethality assessment in addition to an assessment of safe housing after the child leaves the hospital, and considering police involvement (per the child or guardian's request). A lethality assessment includes asking about:
- Increase in frequency or severity of sexual or physical assaults
- Increase in or new homicidal or suicidal threats by the pimp/partner
- The presence or availability of a firearm
- New or increasingly violent behavior by the pimp/partner
3. If, in the opinion of the provider assessing the child, the filing of a 51A increases the chance of violence against the child, the provider is encouraged to consult with CPT prior to filing a 51A (pager # 7336).
Suspected Sexual Exploitation/Prostitution
- No disclosure of exploitation or prostitution but general concern
- Child is found/reports hanging out in an area known for prostitution
- Child is affliliated with known pimp or prostitute
- Child reports being frequently moved from state to state by boyfriend/pimp/friend
- Child is a recurrent runner (runs away from home or placements frequently)
- Child presents to Emergency Room repeatedly following sexual assaults (refuses rape kits, increased use of STD clinic, requests for STD meds)
What to do?
1. Complete a full safety assessment as above
2. Consult with CPT (pager # 7336)
3. File a 51A with the considerations noted above
BMC is a partner of The Teen Prostitution Prevention Project of Suffolk County. This is a multidisciplinary initiative aimed at ensuring the safety and security of child victims being prostituted/sexually exploited via improving case coordination/management, enhancing available services for victims, and increasing the accountability of offenders (pimps). You can access the Project by paging CPT or by calling 617- 779-2148 (the project phone is available during business hours only).
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