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About | Child Trafficking and Exploitation and Child Protective Services
Awareness and education are critical to preventing child exploitation and trafficking in Florida and across the nation. The resources, information, and tools below will help you gain knowledge, know the facts, and get in the fight by mobilizing your community to end the war on children.
The following is a list of state statutes that relate to human and child trafficking with links and short summaries.
CLICK TO READ LAW 420.648 Affordable Housing for Children and Young Adults Leaving Foster Care: Legislative Findings and Intent
Summary: This statute outlines the legislative intent for providing affordable housing for children and young adults leaving the foster care system. The Legislature found that there are many young adults who live within the foster care system who face obstacles to transitioning successfully into adulthood. They further found that the main barriers to housing that is both safe and affordable is the lack of availability, cost, and knowledge of how to be a good tenant.
CLICK TO READ LAW 409.145 Care of Children and the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard
Summary: This statute defines “reasonable and prudent parent” in relation to the Reasonably Prudent Parent Standard as “the standard of care used by a caregiver in determining whether to allow a child in his or her care to participate in extracurricular, enrichment, and social activities. This standard is characterized by careful and thoughtful parent decision making that is intended to maintain a child’s health, safety, and best interest while encouraging the child’s emotional and developmental growth.” The statute also outlines how the standard is to be applied to foster care parents making decisions for the children in their care.
CLICK TO READ LAW 450.161 Chapter Not to Affect Career Education of Children Exceptions
Summary: This statute applies as an exception for the employment of student learners 16 to 18 years old when “1) the student learner is enrolled in a youth vocational training program under a recognized state or local educational authority 2) Such student learner is employed under a written agreement that provides a) the work of the student learning in the occupation declared particularly hazardous shall be incidental to the training b) such work shall be intermittent and for short periods of time and under the direct and close supervision of a qualified and experienced person c) that safety instructions shall be given by the school and correlated by the employer with on the job training d) that a schedule of organized and progressive work process to be performed on the job shall have been prepared.”
CLICK TO READ LAW 39.5075 Citizenship or Residence Status for Immigrant Children Who Are Dependents
Summary: This statute addresses situations where an immigrant child may be adjudicated as a dependent and eligible for special immigration status. “A child is eligible for special immigrant status if the child has been found to be the victim of abuse, neglect or abandonment; the best interest of the child is to remain in the United States; and the child remains under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.”
CLICK TO READ LAW 787.061 Civil Actions by Victims of Human Trafficking
Summary: Legislative Intent: To provide a civil cause of action for the recovery of specified damages and costs in order to achieve the intent of the Legislature which is to penalize human trafficking.
Who does the statute protect: vulnerable children and adults or those that have already been trafficked and forced to work, perform, dance at adult theaters.
Who can assert: Children and adults who have been trafficked and forced to work, perform, or dance at adult theaters.
What it does: The statute provides victims of human trafficking a civil cause of action against an adult theater or an owner, an operator, or a manager of such theater that knowingly allows a victim of human trafficking to work, perform, or dance at the adult theater. The action may be brought in any circuit court of competent jurisdiction in the state. Prevailing victims may recover economic, noneconomic, and punitive damages as well as attorney’s fees and costs. If the court determines that a parent or legal guardian knowingly trafficked the victim, facilitated such trafficking or otherwise participated in the human trafficking of the victim, the court may not allow such parents or legal guardian to receive any distortion of damages under this section.
CLICK TO READ LAW 409.1754 Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children; Screening and Assessment; Training Multidisciplinary Staffing; Service Plans. (Effective Until January 1, 2024)
Summary: This statute requires the Department of Children and Families to “develop or adopt at least one screening and assessment instructions to identify, determine the needs of, plan services for, and determine the appropriate placement for child victims of commercial sexual exploitation who are not eligible for relief benefits under the Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act.”
As of January 1, 2024, this statute will be updated to include language that a local sheriff’s department may no longer be involved in the assessment or implementation process as is presently allowed under section 39.3065.
CLICK TO READ LAW 39.202 Confidentiality of Reports of Child Abuse or Neglect (Effective Until October 2, 2024)
Summary: This statute relates to the confidentiality of records involving children in cases of child abuse and neglect. There are situations in which the public has a right to request some of these records if the request aids in the potential rescue of a child.
CLICK TO READ LAW 409.016 Definitions
Summary: This statute defines “Commercial Sexual Exploitation” as used in context of the chapter as the: “use of any person under the age of 18 years for sexual purpose in exchange for money, goods, or services or the promise of money, goods, or services as well as other terms related to the Department of Children and Families.”
CLICK TO READ LAW 450.132 Employment of Children by the Entertainment Industry Rules; Procedures
Summary: The statute provides that children may be employed by the entertainment industry in the production of motion pictures, legitimate plays, television shows, still photography, recording, publicity, musical and live performances, circuses, and rodeos, in any work not determined by the department to be hazardous, or detrimental to their health, morals, education, or welfare. It further requires that those who employ minors in the industry notify the Department of Children and Families notifying them of the number of days the minor worked, the location of the work, and the date of termination. It further requires that, for minors, time spent in rehearsals and in learning the practicing any of the arts shall be counted as work time when the practice relates to or is in contemplation of particular pictures or shows.
CLICK TO READ LAW 787.02 False Imprisonment: False Imprisonment of a Child Under the Age of 13; Aggravating Circumstances
Summary: The statute defines false imprisonment as, “forcibly, by threat, or secretly confining, abducting, imprisoning, or restraining another person without lawful authority and against her or his will.” A person commits false imprisonment of a child under the age of 13 if the confinement is not only against the child’s will but also without the consent of his or her parents and is guilty of a third-degree felony. However, a person commits a first degree felony punishable by imprisonment up to a life sentence if, during the course of committing the offense, the person commits any of the following offenses,: “1) aggravated child abuse 2) sexual battery against a child; 3) lewd or lascivious batter, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious conduct or lewd or lascivious exhibition; 4) A violation of statute 796.03 or 796.04 relating to prostitution, upon the child; 5) Exploitation of the child or allowing the child to be exploited in violation of 450.151.”
CLICK TO READ LAW 450.061 Hazardous Occupations Prohibited; Exemptions
Summary: This statute prohibits any children age 15 and younger from working in any hazardous occupation.
CLICK TO READ LAW 450.081 Hours of Work In Certain Occupations
Summary: The statute “prohibits minors 15 and younger from being employed, permitted, or suffering to work before 7am or after 7pm when school is scheduled the following day or for more than 15 hours a week. On any school day, minors 15 and younger are prohibited from being gainfully employed for more than 3 hours unless there is no school the next day. During holidays and summer vacations, minors 15 years and younger are prohibited from working 7am or after 9pm or for more than 8 hours in any one day or for more than 40 hours a week. – Minors 16 and 17 are prohibited from being employed, permitted, or suffering to work before 6:30am or after 11pm or for more than 8 hours a day when school is scheduled the following day, or for more than 30 hours a week when school is in session.
CLICK TO READ LAW 787.06 Human Trafficking
Summary: This statute criminalizes any person who knowingly or in reckless disregard of the facts engages or attempts to engage in in human trafficking or benefits financially from receiving anything of value from participants in a venture that has subjected a person to human trafficking. Violation of this statute is a first-degree felony.
CLICK TO READ LAW 450.151 Hiring and Employing; Infliction of pain or Suffering; Penalty
Summary: The statute protects children under the age of 18 by “prohibiting anyone from taking, receiving, hiring, employing, using, exhibiting, or in any manner or under any pretense causes or permits any child less than 18 years old to suffer; inflicting upon any such child unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering; or causing or permitting the life of any such child to be endangered or his or her health to be injured or such child to be placed in such situation that his or her life may be endangered or health injured; having custody of a child for any purpose prohibited under this statute.” Any person who violates this statute is guilty of a second-degree felony and is punishable by sections 775.082, 775.083, or 775.084.
CLICK TO READ LAW 787.29 Human Trafficking Public Awareness Signs
Summary: This statute requires certain businesses/establishments to display a 8.5 by 11 inch sign with the following message in at least 16 font, ” “If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in an activity and cannot leave—whether it is prostitution, housework, farm work, factory work, retail work, restaurant work, or any other activity–call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888 or text INFO or HELP to 233-733 to access help and services. Victims of slavery and human trafficking are protected under United States and Florida law.” These establishments include Rest Areas, turnpikes, service plazas, weigh station, primary airports, passenger rail stations, welcome centers, emergency rooms, adult entertainment establishments or businesses that offer massage or bodywork services for compensation (that are not owned by a health care practitioner).
Who can assert: Children and adults who have been trafficked and forced to work, perform, or dance at adult theaters.
What it does: The statute provides victims of human trafficking a civil cause of action against an adult theater or an owner, an operator, or a manager of such theater that knowingly allows a victim of human trafficking to work, perform, or dance at the adult theater. The action may be brought in any circuit court of competent jurisdiction in the state. Prevailing victims may recover economic, noneconomic, and punitive damages as well as attorney’s fees and costs. If the court determines that a parent or legal guardian knowingly trafficked the victim, facilitated such trafficking or otherwise participated in the human trafficking of the victim, the court may not allow such parents or legal guardian to receive any distortion of damages under this section.
CLICK TO READ LAW 409.14514 Independent Living Preparation
Summary: The statute requires that the Department of Children and Families assist children who are in foster care in making the transition to independent living.
CLICK TO READ LAW 409.175 Licensure of Family Foster Homes: Residential Child-Caring Agencies, and Child Placing Agencies; Public Records Exemption
Summary: The statute defines key terms such as License, Child, Placement Screening and other relevant definitions to the context of the statute. It further explains the requirements that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) should adhere to when issuing capacity waivers to foster care families. Licensed foster homes must have their capacity reassessed annually as part of their re-licensure process. A person, family foster home, or residential child caring agency may not provide continuing full-time child-care or custody unless such person, home or agency has first procured a license from the department to provide such care. However, this does not apply to a person who is a relative of the child. It further requires DCF to adopt and amend rules for levels of licensed care associated with the licensure of family foster homes, residential child-caring agencies and child placing agencies. It provides the five levels associated with foster care licensing. The statute outlines the licensure and operation requirements for family foster homes, residential child caring agencies and child placing including (but not limited to): operational requirements, safety and cleanliness and requiring signs to be placed on the premises warning of the dangers of human trafficking. It prohibits DCF from adopting rules that interfere with the free exercise of religion.
CLICK TO READ LAW 39.201 Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse, Abandonment, Neglect or Sexual Abuse
Summary: The statute requires any person to report immediately to the central abuse hotline, in writing, though a call to the toll-free telephone number or through electronic reporting, if he or she knows or has reason to suspect child abuse, abandonment or neglect or child abuse by someone other than a parent, caregiver or other person responsible for the child’s welfare. Reports can be made anonymously however, health care professionals, mental health professionals, physicians, practitioners who rely solely on spiritual means for healing, schoolteachers and staff, social workers, day care workers, foster care workers, law enforcement officers, judges and animal control officers must provide his or her name when reporting. Reports of sexual abuse of a child or juvenile must be reported immediately to the central hotline. Within 48 hours after receiving such a report, the Department of Children and Families must conduct an assessment, assist the family in receiving appropriate support and send a written report of the allegation to the appropriate sheriff’s office. Only in state instances of abuse/neglect/abandonment shall be reporting to the abuse hotline. Any person required to report of a child’s death must be reported to the appropriate medical examiner who will investigate and report his/her findings to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
CLICK TO READ LAW 450.021 Minimal Age: General
Summary: Who does the statute protect? Children from working in inappropriate environments including adult theaters.
What does the statute allow?: The statute allows “minors of any age to be employed: 1) as pages in the Florida Legislature, by the entertainment industry as allowed in 450.012 and 450.132; 2) in domestic or farm work in connection with their own homes or the farm or ranch on which they live, or directly for their own parents/guardians or in the herding, tending and management of livestock during the hours they are not required to be in school.”
What does the statute prohibit?: The statute prohibits: “1) children 10 years and younger from selling and distributing newspapers; 2) any child 13 years old or younger from being employed, permitted or suffered to work in any gainful occupation at any time except for those that are expressly permitted; 3) person 17 years old or younger to be employed, permitted or suffered to work in any place where alcoholic beverages are sold; 4) Children under the age of 18 from being employed, permitted or suffered to work in an adult theater.”
CLICK TO READ LAW 409.1454 Motor Vehicle Insurance and Driver Licenses for Children in Care and Certified Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
Summary: The statute notes that the intent of the legislature in implementing the program to pay for (as funds are available) the cost of driver education, licensure and other costs incidental to licensure, motor vehicle insurance for qualified children is that the cost of doing so is often a barrier for children transitioning into successful adulthood.
CLICK TO READ LAW 409.16791 Ongoing Study of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
Summary: This statute requires the Office of Program Policy Analyst and Government Accountability to conduct an annual study on commercial sexual exploitation of children in the state, and to report its findings by July 1st of each year to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. “The study shall assess the extent of commercial sexual exploitation and identity specialized services needed by sexually exploited children and any gaps in the availability of such services by region. The study shall also analyze the effectiveness of safe houses, safe foster homes, residential treatment centers and hospitals with specialized programs for sexually exploited children and other residential options for serving sexually exploited children in addressing their safety, therapeutic, health, educational and emotional needs. The study shall also include the number of children involuntarily committed to treatment facilities who are victims of sexual exploitation and the outcomes of those children for the 3 years after completion of inpatient treatment.”
CLICK TO READ LAWS 847.0135, 847.0138, 827.071 Penalties for Possession of Child Pornography
Summary: This statute sets forth penalties for individuals who engage in child sexual exploitation through the phone, computer or other means.
CLICK TO READ LAW 450.045 Proof of Identity and Age; Posting of Notices
Summary: The statute requires that “any person who hires, employees or suffers to work any child in addition to the limitations provided in this part, first obtain, and keep record of proof of the child’s age during the entire period of the child’s employment as well as post in a conspicuous place on the place of employment a poster notifying minors of the Child Labor Law.”
CLICK TO READ LAW 39.524 Safe Harbor Placement (Effective January 1st, 2024)
Summary: When the new version takes effect, the Sheriff’s office will no longer be able to perform a multidisciplinary staffing to determine the child’s need for services or placement in safe harbor home. The Department of Families and Children will have the sole responsibility for this assessment and other requirements of the statute.
CLICK TO READ LAW 39.524 Safe Harbor Placement (Effective Until January 1, 2024)
Summary: A dependent child 6 years old or younger who is suspected of being or has been found to be a victim of commercial sexual exploitation must be assessed and the department or a sheriff’s office (acting under 93.3065) must conduct the multidisciplinary staffing to determine the child’s need for services and his or her need for placement in a safe house or foster. Per the statute: “The results of the assessments and multidisciplinary staffing and actions taken must be included in the disposition hearing or next judicial review of the child. At each subsequent judicial review, the court must be advised in writing of the status of the child’s placement with special reference regarding the stability of the placement, any specialized services, and the permanency planning for the child.”
CLICK TO READ LAW 402.87 Services to Immigrant Survivors of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence and Other Serious Crimes
Summary: The state requires that the Department of Children and Families “provide services to immigrant survivors of human trafficking; domestic violence, and other serious crimes, during the interim period between the survivor and the time the survivor applies for a visa and receives their visa including.”
CLICK TO READ LAW 409.1678 Specialized Residential Options for Children Who are Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation
Summary: The statue requires that both safe houses and safe foster homes be certified by the Department of Children and Families. To be certified, a safe house must hold a license as a residential child caring agency defined in 409.175 and a safe foster home must hold a license as a family foster home, as defined in 409.175. Both must also: use strength-based and trauma-informed approaches to care, to the extent possible and appropriate; serve exclusively one sex; group child victims of commercial sexual exploitation by age or maturity level; care for child victims of commercial sexual exploitation in a manner that separates those children from children with other needs; If a Safe houses, house must have staff awake and on duty 24 hours a day; Provide appropriate security (if safe house, must, at minimum, provide for detection of possibility trafficking activity around a facility and be party of emergency response to search for absent children); If a safe house, must conspicuously place signs on premises to warn children of dangers of human trafficking and encourage reporting of human trafficking; meet other criteria established by the Department of Children and Families. As of July 1st of 2023, the safe houses and/or safe foster care homes will subject to the following requirements: 1) safe houses will also be required to place signs on the premises to warn children of the dangers of human trafficking and encourage reporting as well as advise children to report concerns to the proper authorities complete with telephone numbers for reporting; 2) both safe houses and safe foster care homes will be required to meet the criteria established by the Department of Families and Children as well as be required to deliver age appropriate programming to educate children regarding the signs and dangers of commercial sexual exploitation and how to report it. This programming shall be developed and approved by the Department of Families and Children.
CLICK TO READ LAW 16.617 Statewide Council on Human Trafficking
Summary: This statute creates the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking within the Department of Legal Affairs. Its purpose is to “enhance the development and coordination of state and local law enforcement and social services responses to fight commercial sexual exploitation as a form of human trafficking and to support victims.”
CLICK TO READ LAW 16.617 Statewide Council on Human Trafficking Creation; Membership; Duties
Summary: This statute creates the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking within the Department of Legal Affairs. Its purpose is to enhance the development and coordination of state and local law enforcement and social services responses to fight commercial sexual exploitation as a form of human trafficking and to support victims.
CLICK TO READ LAW 985.461 Transition to Adulthood
Summary: The Department of Children and Family Services may provide a transition to adulthood services to a child’s treatment plan once they are released from residential commitment. The statute also provides that “adjudication for delinquency does not, by itself, disqualify such child for eligibility in the Department of Children and Families’ independent living program.”
CLICK TO READ LAW 450.095 Waivers
Summary: This statute provides: “In extenuating circumstances when it clearly appears to be in the best interest of the child, the Department of children and families may grant a waiver of restrictions of the Child Labor Law on the employment of a child.” This waiver shall be granted on a case-by-case basis and upon factors the department deems appropriately determinative of whether such waiver is in the best interest of the child.
The following is a list of county and local laws that relate to human and child trafficking with links and short summaries.
CLICK TO READ ORDINANCE 3 1/2- 44 Minors Prohibited
Summary: The ordinance prohibits an operator or worker of an adult entertainment establishment to knowingly, or with reason to know, permit, suffer, or allow a person under 18 years of age to entertain or remain in the establishment; purchase goods or services at the establishment; or work or perform at the establishment as a worker.
CLICK TO READ ORDINANCE 10-154 Minors; unlawful provisions
Summary:The ordinance prohibits operators or workers of an adult entertainment establishment or sexually oriented business from knowingly or with reason to know, permit, suffer or allow admittance to the establishment or business a person under 18 years of age while open for business; a person under 18 years of age to remain at the establishment or business when the establishment or business is open for business; or a person under 18 years of age to be a worker at or for the establishment or business.
CLICK TO READ ORDINANCE 10-143. – General requirements for all adult entertainment establishments and sexually oriented businesses
Summary: The ordinance lists the requirements of a sexually oriented business, regardless of whether the establishment is licensed or not. Of these requirements, several prohibit minors from entering or working in the establishment as well as requiring establishments to create and maintain records as required by the ordinance.
CLICK TO READ ORDINANCE 10-19 Portrayal of Certain Acts Prohibited
Summary:This ordinance prohibits depicting the acts of rape, sodomy, beastiality, sexual intercourse, exposing body parts or dismembering body parts on city owned facilities.
CLICK TO READ ORDINANCE 16-28 Intent
Summary: This ordinance notes that the intent of the legislator behind Chapter 16 is to protect minors from harm and victimization.
CLICK TO READ ORDINANCE 16-29: Minors Prohibited in Public Places and Establishments During Certain Hours: Penalty; Procedure
Summary: This ordinance establishes a curfew for minors in effect from 11pm to 5am, Sunday through Thursday, except during legal holidays. On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays the curfew is in effect from 12:01 am to 6:00 am.
CLICK TO READ ORDINANCE 14-82: Adult Performance Establishments
Florida Statutes § 847.0135 (2022): Prohibited Computer Usage
Charge: Second or Third-Degree Felony
Penalty: Second Degree -Fined up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in jail; Third Degree – Fined up to $5,000 and up to 5 years in prison
Florida Dept of Law Enforcement Sexual Offender and Predator System Overview
Sexual Offender and Predator Search
Florida Law Enforcement and Investigative Support Number: 1-888-FL-PREDATOR (1-888-357-7332). By calling the number, the public can request information about Sexual Offenders living in their communities and around the state on business days, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Eastern), Monday through Friday.
Annual Report on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Florida, 2022
Section 409.16791 of the Florida Statutes directs Florida’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government (OPPAGA) to “conduct an annual study on the commercial sexual exploitation of children in Florida.” The study provides information and facts as to the number of children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) in each of Florida’s counties. The report also provides short and long-term outcomes for children listed in previous reports. Click here for the report.
Florida Abuse Hot Line: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
To report known or suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment; and known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Report Human Trafficking to Florida Law Enforcement: 1-855-FLA-SAFE.
National Reporting Hot Line Recommendations:
Homeland Security Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-866-347-2423
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Hotline: 1-866-DHS-2-ICE
The following is a list of federal laws that relate to human and child trafficking with links and short summaries.
Summary: The Act created Title IV-E, or the program that gives funding for state foster care systems.
Summary: The Act establishes a national center for child abuse and neglect and a National Clearinghouse on child abuse programs.
Summary: The act makes the Transportation with Intent to Engage in Prostitution, Promotion or Facilitation of Prostitution, Coercion and Enticement, and the Transportation of Minors to Engage in Prostitution a crime.
Summary: The Act allows the AG to collect DNA samples from convicted Sex Offenders and Abusers.
Summary: The law established Federal standards for the removal and placement of Native children as well as with termination of parental rights to protect the best interests of Native American children and keep them connected to their families and Tribes.
The law delineates the roles of State and Tribal governments in child welfare cases involving children who are members of or eligible for membership in Federally recognized Tribes.
Summary: Federal Sex crimes include Enticement into Slavery, Involuntary Servitude, Forced Labor, Trafficking with respect to Involuntary Services, Sex Trafficking of Children, Illegally Withholding Documents in furtherance of Sex Crimes, Benefitting Financially from Trafficking Persons, and Attempting to and Conspiring to commit Child Sex Trafficking.
18 U.S.C. Ch. 77 Sections 1583, 1584, 1589, 1590, 1591, 1592, 1593A, 1594, 1596
Remedies for Victims of Sex Crimes include Restitution and injunctions.
Summary: The Act provides law enforcement agencies with requirements when reporting missing children.
Summary: The act creates a national criminal history background check system where each State, Commonwealth, and Territory is required to report child abuse and indexes information for purposes of childcare providers.
Summary: The act allows the creation of an Interstate Compact to better share criminal history records and encourages States to share data with the FBI in order to exchange criminal history records for noncriminal justice purposes allowed by laws.
Summary: The act makes Sexual Exploitation of Children and the Selling or Buying Children, Failure to Report Child Abuse and certain activities relating to Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Possession of material that contains Child Pornography a crime.
Summary: The act added a new chapter in Title 18 containing several new sex crimes, among which included Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Abusive Sexual Contact, and Sexual Abusive of a Minor or Ward of the State.
18 U.S.C. Ch. 109A Sections 2241, 2242, 2243, 2244, 2245, 2247
Remedies for Sex Abuse Act violations include Restitution, Criminal and Civil Forfeiture of Assets, and Civil Remedies for Personal Injuries.
18 U.S.C. Ch. 109A Section 2248; Ch. 110 Sections 2253, 2254, 2255, and 2259
Summary: The act created a National and State Sex Offender Registry and created different tiers of sex offenders. The Act also made it a crime for a convicted Sex Offender to fail to register.
Summary: The Act creates subcategories for State sex crimes and human trafficking for reporting purposes.
Summary: The Act requires all federal crimes shall be catalogued in the Uniform Crime Reports.
Summary: The act authorized the President to create an Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking and authorize the Secretary of State to cooperate with foreign countries. 7103(a) and (b). The President also has authority to create and establish international economic initiatives to enhance economic opportunity for the victims of trafficking as a means to deter trafficking.
Alaska
800-478-4444
Arizona
888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445)
Arkansas
800-482-5964
California
800-422-4453
Colorado
844-264-5437
Connecticut
800-842-2288
Delaware
800-292-9582
Florida
1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
Georgia
855-422-4453
866-363-4842
Hawaii
Oahu: 808-832-5300 Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai: 888-380-3088
Oahu: 808-832-1999 Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai: 888-398-1188
Idaho
855-552-5437
208-630-6601
Illinois
800-252-2873
888-373-7888
Indiana
800-800-5556
888-373-7888
Iowa
800-362-2178
515-725-6330
Kansas
800-922-5330
888-373-7888
Kentucky
877-597-2331
888-373-7888
Louisiana
855-452-5437
800-434-8007
Maine
800-452-1999
888-373-7888
Maryland
800-917-7383
888-373-7888
Massachusetts
800-792-5200
617-963-2223
Michigan
855-444-3911
888-373-7888
Minnesota
By County
877-996-6222
Misssissippi
888-222-8000
888-373-7888
Missouri
800-392-3738
888-373-7888
Montana
866-820-5437
833-406-7867
Nebraska
800-652-1999
833-757-5665
Nevada
Washoe: 833-900-7233, Clark: 702-399-0081, All other counties: 833-571-1041
888-373-7888
New Hampshire
Everybody: 603-271-6562, In-state: 800-894-5533
800-277-5570
New Jersey
877-652-2873
855-363-6548
New Mexico
855-333-7233
888-373-7888
New York
800-342-3720
800-771-7755
North Dakota
833-958-3500
888-373-7888
Ohio
855-642-4453
888-373-7888
Oklahoma
800-522-3511
855-617-2288
Oregon
855-503-7233
888-373-7888
Pennsylvania
800-932-0313
888-373-7888
Rhode Island
800-742-4453
888-373-7888
South Carolina
888-227-3487
888-373-7888
South Dakota
877-244-0864
888-373-7888
Tennessee
877-237-0004
855-558-6484
Texas
800-252-5400
888-373-7888
Utah
855-323-3237
801-200-3443
Vermont
800-649-5285
888-984-8626
Virginia
In-state: 804-786-8535 Out-of-State: 800-552-7096
833-463-6448
Washington
6 Different Regional Numbers:
Region 1: 800-557-9671, Region 2: 855-420-5888, Region 3: 866-829-2153, Region 4: 800-609-8764, Region 5: 888-713-6115, Region 6: 866-764-2233
888-373-7888
West Virginia
800-352-6513
888-373-7888
The matrix below provides state laws, which include the state’s definition of grooming.
Alabama
Electronic Solicitation of a Child
On-line
Class B Felony
Imprisoned between 2 and 20 years in prison
Arizona*
Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation
Unspecified
Class 3 Felony
Imprisoned between 2.5 to 7 years in prison
Arkansas
Sexual Grooming a Child
Both
Class D Felony or Class A Misdemeanor
Felony: Fined up to $10k and up to 6 years in prison
Misdemeanor: Fined up to $2,500 and up to 1 year in jail
California
§ 647.6
Miscellaneous Offenses
Unspecified
Misdemeanor
Fined up to $5k, up to 1 year in jail, or both
Colorado*
§ 18-6-403
Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Unspecified
Class 3, 4, or 5 Felony
Class 3: Fined up to $750k and imprisoned up between 10 and 32 years
Class 4: Imprisonment between 2 to 6 years and fined between $2k and $500k
Class 5: Imprisonment between a year and 18 months a fined between $1k and $100k
Connecticut
§ 53a-90a
Enticing a Minor
Online
Class B, C, or D Felony
Class B: Fined up to $15k and imprisoned between 1 and 40 years
Class C: Fined up to $10k and imprisoned between 1 and 10 years
Class D: Fined up to $5k and imprisoned between 1 and 5 years
Delaware
Sexual Solicitation of a Child
Both
Class B or C Felony
Class B: Between 2 and 25 years in prison
Class C: Up to 15 years in prison
Florida
Prohibited Computer Usage
Online
Second or Third-Degree Felony
Second-Degree: Fined up to $10k and up to 15 years in prison
Third-Degree: Fined up to $5k and up to 5 years in prison
Georgia
Child Exploitation
Online
Felony
Fined up to $25k and imprisoned between 1 and 20 years
Idaho
Enticing a Child through use of the Internet or other Communication Device
Online
Felony
Imprisoned up to 15 years
Indiana
Inappropriate Communication with a child
In-person
Level 6 Felony or Class A or B Misdemeanor
Felony: Between 6 months in jail and 2.5 years in prison
Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and fined up to $5k (based on Class A misdemeanor)
Iowa
§ 728.12
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
Unspecified
Class C or D Felony
Fined up to $50k and any other appropriate sentence
Kansas
§ 21-5510
Sexual Exploitation of a Child
Unspecified
Off-Grid Person, Severity Level 3 or 5 person Felony
Level 3: Imprisoned between 55 and 247 months
Level 5: Imprisoned between 31 and 136 months
Off-grid: Death or Life in prison
Kentucky
§ 510.155
Unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor
Online
Class C or D Felony
Imprisoned between 5 and 10 years
Louisiana
§ 14:81.3
Computer-aided Solicitation of a Minor
Online
Felony
Fined up to $10k and imprisoned up to 20 years
Maine
§ 259-A
Solicitation of a Child
Both
Class C or D Crime (Felony or Misdemeanor)
Class C (Felony): Imprisoned up to 5 years and fined up to $5k
Class D Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and fined up to $2k
Maryland
§ 3-324
Computer-aided Solicitation of a Minor
Both
Felony
Fined up to $25k or imprisoned up to 10 years
Massachusetts
Inducing a Minor for Sex
In-Person
Felony
Fined up to $1k, Imprisoned up to 3 years, or both
Michigan
§ 750.145a
Accosting, Enticing, or Soliciting a Minor for Immoral Purpose
Unspecified
Felony
Fined up to $4k or imprisoned up to 4 years
Minnesota
§ 609.352
Solicitation of a Child for Sex
On-line
Felony
Fined up to $10k or imprisoned up to 5 years
Montana
§ 45-5-625
Sexual Abuse of Children
Unspecified
Felony
Fined up to $10k and imprisoned for life or up to 100 years
Nebraska
Sexual Assault using electronic communication
Online
IC or ID Felony
IC Felony: Imprisoned between 5 and 50 years in prison
ID Felony: Imprisoned between 3 and 50 years in prison
Nevada*
§ 201.560
Luring Children
Both
Category B or C Felony
Computer: Fined up to $10k and imprisoned between 1 and 10 years
Other Means: Fined up to $10k and imprisoned between 2 and 15 years
New Hampshire
§ 649-B:4
Prohibited Computer Uses
On-line
Class A or B Felony
Imprisoned between 10 and 20 years
New Jersey
§ 2C:13-6
Luring and Enticing a child
Both
Felony
Mandatory Minimum of 1/3 to ½ sentence imposed or 3 years, whichever is greater
New Mexico
Child Solicitation by Electronic Device
On-line
Second, Third, or Fourth-Degree Felony
Second-Degree: Up to 15 years in prison and fined up to $12,500
Third-Degree: Up to 6 years in prison and fined up to $5k
Fourth-Degree: Up to 10 years in prison and fined up to $5k
New York
§§ 100.08
Criminal Solicitation
Unspecified
Class E Felony
Imprisoned between 16 months and 4 years
North Carolina
§ 14-202.3
Solicitation of Child by Computer
On-line
Class G or H Felony
Class G: Imprisoned between 8 and 31 months
Class H: Imprisoned between 4 and 25 months
North Dakota
§§ 12.1-20-05
and
12.1-20-05.1
Corruption, Solicitation, Luring a Minor
Both
Class A Misdemeanor or Class B or C Felony
Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in prison and fined up to $3k
Class B Felony: Up to 10 years in prison and fined up to $20k
Class C Felony: Up to 5 years in prison and fined up to $10k
Ohio
§ 2905.05
Criminal Child Enticement
Unspecified
First-Degree Misdemeanor or Fifth-Degree Felony
Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and fined up to $1k
Felony: Imprisoned between 6 and 12 months in jail and fined up to $2,500
Oklahoma
Lewd or Indecent Proposals to Minors
Both
Felony
Imprisoned between 3 and 25 years
Oregon
§ 167.057
Luring a Minor
Unspecified
Class C Felony
Imprisoned up to 5 years, fined up to $125k, or both
Pennsylvania*
§ 6320
Sexual Exploitation of Children
Unspecified
Second-Degree Felony
Imprisoned up to 10 years and fined up to $25k
Rhode Island
Indecent Solicitation of a Child
Both
Felony
Imprisoned at least 5 years (See R.I. Gen. Laws Section 11-37-8.9)
South Carolina
Solicitation of a Minor
Both
Felony
Fined up to $5k and imprisoned for up to 10 years
South Dakota
§ 22-24A-5
Solicitation of a Minor
Both
Class 4 Felony
Imprisoned up to 10 years and fined up to $20k
Tennessee
Solicitation of a Minor
Both
One classification less than most serious crime solicited (Felony)
Example: If Class A Felony committed, punished like Class B Felony
Texas
Child Grooming; Online Solicitation of a Minor
Both
Section 33.021: Second or Third-Degree Felony
Section 15.032: Second or Third-Degree Felony
Second-Degree: Imprisoned between 2 and 20 years in prison and fined up to $10k
Third-Degree: Imprisoned between 2 and 10 years in prison and fined up to $10k
Utah
§ 76-4-401
Enticement of a Minor
Online
One classification less than the illegal conduct (Felony or Misdemeanor)
Example: If First-Degree Felony committed, punished like Second-Degree Felony
Vermont
Sexual Exploitation of Children
Both
Felony
Fined up to $10k or imprisoned for up to 5 years
(See 13 V.S.A. 2825(e))
Virginia
Display of Child Pornography or Grooming Videos to a Child
Unspecified (but presumably online)
Class 6 Felony
Imprisoned between 1 to 5 years in prison
Washington*
Sexual Misconduct (Limited to School Employees)
Unspecified
Class B Felony
Imprisoned up to 10 years, fined up to $20k, or both
West Virginia
Soliciting a Minor Through a Computer
Online
Felony
Fined up to $5k or imprisoned between 2 and 10 years
Wisconsin*
Representations depicting nudity
Unspecified
Class I Felony or Class A Misdemeanor
Felony: Imprisoned up to 3.5 years and fined up to $10k
Misdemeanor: Imprisoned up to 9 months in jail and fined up to $10k
Wyoming
§ 6-2-318
Soliciting to Engage in Illicit Sexual Relations
Unspecified
Felony
Imprisoned up to 5 years
*States that do not have a grooming statute or are too general to be called a grooming statute.
Source: Leah E. Kaylor, Georgia M. Winters, Elizabeth L. Jeglic & Jennifer Cilli (2022) An analysis of child sexual grooming legislation in the United States, Psychology, Crime & Law, DOI: 10.1080/1068316X.2022.2043313
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