Teenagers, especially those in poverty or the foster-care system, are particularly vulnerable. Traffickers pose as trusted adults or befriend them on social media, then manipulate them to be sold for sexual abuse.

Under federal law, these children are victims, not criminals.

Yet every year, kids who have been sex trafficked are detained and charged with crimes.

At least 290 minors were arrested for a prostitution-related offense in 2019, the most recent year national data is available. Forty were 14 or younger.

The state that arrested the most kids — at least 110 — was Nevada.

Under federal law, children who are sex trafficked are victims, not criminals.

Yet every year, dozens are detained and charged with crimes.

In 2019, at least 290 minors were arrested for prostitution-related offenses. https://t.co/fFsnD08t2A

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 5, 2021