In observance of September 23, International Day against Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Persons, the IIN-OAS Inter-American Cooperation Program for the Prevention and Eradication of Sexual Exploitation, Smuggling of and Trafficking in Children presents the Thematic Note No. 2/2026 – Proposals for the Care of Children and Adolescents in Situations of Sexual Exploitation: Toward the Promotion of Comprehensive and Specialized Responses.
The Note identifies three key criteria that should guide responses for children and adolescents who are victims of sexual exploitation: a person-centered approach, comprehensiveness, and specialization.
These principles involve recognizing the uniqueness of each situation and promoting the meaningful participation of children and adolescents; coordinating interventions across the different sectors and services involved; and strengthening the technical and institutional capacities of the services and professionals engaged in these processes.
These should not be understood as isolated characteristics of services, but rather as intervention criteria that shape the way assistance is provided. They should be reflected in the design of responses within the child protection system, its operational arrangements, and the capacities of the teams responsible for implementing these responses.