Understanding Young People and Prostitution: A Foundation for Practice?

Abstract

The practice and research literature on young people and prostitution reflects a number of methodological challenges. This paper offers a focused review of the literature in the context of those challenges and attempts to draw conclusions that are strong enough to provide a reflective and strategic approach to service planning and implementation. Definitional issues are discussed, particularly in relation to estimates of prevalence. The robustness of past research designs and associated causal inferences are questioned and a synthesis of current explanatory accounts is offered. Risk in relation to prostitution is explored. Past service responses are examined and a rationale for future responses is developed.