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Upon acceptance to the Brooklyn S.T.A.R. Project, attendees will participate in an intensive, multidisciplinary program that will meet one time per week over a six week period. The program is held at the Dr. White Community Center, located in downtown Brooklyn, and is free of charge.

The program is available to all youths up to age 21.

During the program, attendees will be educated on the dangers and ill effects of prostitution, as well as the educational, employment, and housing opportunities that are available to them. Counseling and medical treatment are also available.

The Brooklyn S.T.A.R. Project was developed by Charles J. Hynes to assist teens in abandoning their lives of prostitution by providing them with concrete alternatives and solutions. The program was launched in July of 2004, as part of a larger
Teen Prostitution Prevention Initiative.
Although there are many reasons why young people turn to prostitution, from sexual abuse to drug addiction, all are greatly in need of services and a safe environment far from the reach of their pimps. The S.T.A.R. Project will enable attendees to obtain necessary services, create relationships with counselors, and discover new directions in which to lead their lives.

· Health Care

· Substance Abuse

· Life Skills

· Reentering school and GED

Programs

· Employment Opportunities

· Understanding and Working

with ACS

· Mentoring

A Masters level social worker will facilitate a group discussion following each session.

The average age of entry into prostitution is 13 years old.

80-90% of teen prostitutes were sexually abused as children.

67% of teen prostitutes are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of the physical and sexual abuse they have suffered.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Brooklyn, Long Island College Hospital, Board of Health, Department of Education, Administration for Children Services, Job Corps

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