SB428 Summary

• Prohibits sexually exploited children under age 18 from being adjudicated delinquent or convicted of prostitution crimes, instead allowing adjudication as children in need of supervision or dependent children.

• Establishes a presumption that any child arrested for prostitution is a sexually exploited child, and requires juvenile court intake officers to evaluate complaints and determine eligibility for alternative adjudication.

• Prohibits transfer of cases involving sexually exploited children who commit prostitution from juvenile court to adult court, except in limited circumstances involving youthful offender convictions.

• Requires juvenile courts to retain jurisdiction over sexually exploited children and issue protective orders, emergency restraints, and conduct hearings as needed to protect the child's health and safety.

• Mandates availability of social and community services including forensic evidence collection, counseling, shelter, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, legal services, educational support, and investigation of those exploiting the child.