![]() ![]() Excluding sexually exploited youth under 18 from the definition of delinquent child resolved the conflict that defines in law a sexually exploited youth as both a victim and delinquent. Extended the age range for a sexually exploited youth to under 18.Amended language in the definitions of “Prostitution”, “Patron” and “Prostitute” to reflect a shift in thinking with patrons equally engaging in the act of prostitution and “prostitution” to be inclusive of both the act of hiring as well as being hired for sexual services.No Wrong Door: A Comprehensive Approach to Safe Harbor for Minnesota's Sexually Exploited Youth (PDF).This effort went on to recommend the No Wrong Door Model for sexually exploited youth which was submitted to the legislature January 2013. Directed the Commissioner of Public Safety to work with stakeholders to create a victim-centered, statewide response for sexually exploited youth effective immediately.Increased the penalties against the facilitators of commercial sexual exploitation and purchasers (“patrons”) as well as required that revenue from additional fines be distributed to local law enforcement and prosecuting agencies to support training and to further combat sexual exploitation and to victim services agencies to support survivors, effective immediately.This was to be effective August 1st, 2014 but was later repealed after de-criminalization was expanded to under age 18. Introduced a diversion program for youth ages 16 and 17 engaging in prostitution.See Laws of Minnesota 2013, chapter 108, article 3, section 37, at pages 94-95 (removing all children under 18 from the definition of “delinquent child” and “delinquent petty offender”). This was to be effective August 1, 2014, but was later expanded to include youth under age 18. Youth under age 16 engaging in conduct that relates to being hired, offering to be hired or agreeing to be hired by another individual to engage in sexual conduct, are not charged with a crime for this act. Excluded sexually exploited youth under age 16 from the definition of delinquent child.Added the definition of sexually exploited youth in Minnesota’s child protection codes to be effective immediately.The original Safe Harbor Law, passed in 2011, included the following key changes – four were effective immediately in 2011 while two additional changes were intended to go into effect August 1st, 2014 one was later repealed. They are treated with dignity and respect, and directed to supportive services, shelter, and housing that meet their needs and recognize their right to make their own choices.The collective changes making up Safe Harbor legislation and supporting the implementation of Safe Harbor/No Wrong Door were passed in Minnesota in 20 with additional funding allocated in 2014. Now, Minnesota youth who engage in sexual acts for anything of value or a promise of something of value today are viewed as victims and survivors, not criminals. Because of the efforts of MNCASA in collaboration with many dedicated nonprofit and government agencies (Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, Minnesota Department of Health, The Family Partnership, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, among others), Minnesota passed the Safe Harbor Law in 2011. Before August 1, 2014, Minnesota could charge and treat sexually exploited youth as criminals–as juvenile delinquents engaging in acts of prostitution. ![]()
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