State Report Says Thousands of City Kids Caught in Sex Trade

New York, NY —

More than 22-hundred kids in the city are caught up in the sex trade - that's according to a state report issued today. Prison advocates and family court attorneys say the number is likely much higher. WNYC's Cindy Rodriguez reports.

The report surveyed police departments, government agencies and non-profits that deal with troubled youngsters. But advocates say kids who engage in prostitution often fly under the radar of the law and many don't receive services from groups set up to help them.

Still advocates say the report is a step towards getting a handle on a problem that there is little research on. According to the report 85 percent of youngsters in the sex trade are girls. About two-thirds are African American and more than half are 16 and 17-years-olds. A small percentage were under 14 and the vast majority were the subject of a child abuse or neglect case.

The report also determined more mental health services and shelters are needed. Legislation that would prohibit criminalizing these young people is currently pending in Albany. For WNYC, I'm Cindy Rodriguez