Teenage prostitutes from the documentary "Very Young Girls." Photo courtesy of the Boston Phoenix.

Cheers to Georgia state Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford) for introducing legislation that would end prosecution of girls under age 16 for prostitution. Instead, they would be referred to programs to help them escape exploitation.

“Sixteen years old is the age of consent in Georgia, and anyone who is less than 16 will not be charged with prostitution,” Unterman man. “We consider them a victim, not a prostitute. They need care and counseling.”

Unterman is a social worker and registered nurse. To read the full Atlanta Journal Constitution article on her proposed legislation click here.

To read more about how social workers help teens in crisis, visit the National Association of Social Workers “Help Starts Here” Youth Development Web page by clicking here.