AR SB869

Establishes legislative findings that sexually exploited children should be diverted from the criminal justice system and provided child welfare services including crisis intervention, counseling, and emergency housing.

Creates the Safe Harbor Fund for Sexually Exploited Children, funded by $250 fines imposed on persons convicted of trafficking of persons, prostitution, or sexual solicitation offenses.

Requires the Department of Human Services to develop a statewide referral protocol for coordinating services to sexually exploited children, defined as minors under 18 subject to trafficking, child sex trafficking under federal law, or prostitution/sexual solicitation.

Directs the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth to conduct a study on child sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in Arkansas, with a report due July 1, 2014, including proposed service plans and recommended legislative changes.

Authorizes the Arkansas Juvenile Officers Association, Law Enforcement Training Academy, or Prosecutor Coordinators Office to provide training to law enforcement and prosecutors on identifying sexually exploited children and obtaining appropriate services.