The number of child prostitutes around the world the world remains alarmingly large; in the United States there are conservatively estimated to be 300,000 adolescents engaged in prostitution. Child prostitutes are at risk for a number of medical conditions resulting directly from the nature of their activities. These include sexually transmitted illnesses, other infectious diseases, unwanted pregnancy, as well as trauma related injuries. They are also at high risk for other medical conditions as a result of their tenuous and dangerous living environments. Their situation is frequently complicated by substance abuse and its complications, and they are commonly involved in the juvenile justice system. The High Risk Youth Program of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has been engaged in the health care and stabilization of youth engaged in juvenile prostitution since 1982; the Medical Director of this Program and a Clinical Research Fellow in Adolescent Medicine will discuss the unique health risks and challenges of this vulnerable population.
Learning Objectives: 1. List two common background factors for youth involved in juvenile prostitution. 2. List three major attractions of youth to juvenile prostitution. 3. List five major health risks for young people engaged in juvenile prostitution
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.