• In 2024, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) verified 373 children as victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Most victims were at least 15 years old and female. Since 2015, over 3,000 victims have been verified.

• The availability of placements and services for CSE victims varies statewide. At-risk homes, safe houses, safe foster homes, behavioral qualified residential treatment programs, and residential treatment centers are placements that can serve CSE victims, although stakeholders noted a need for more safe houses, safe foster homes, and residential treatment centers.

• Stakeholders identified substance use treatment, survivor mentorship, and transportation as gaps in services for CSE victims. In addition, although victim compensation is an available service, few victims apply and no compensation was awarded in 2024.

• Consistent with prior OPPAGA findings, CSE victims continue to have high rates of juvenile justice involvement in the year following their verification, and enrollment in school in the year following verification remains high. However, the percentage of CSE victims with a new verified CSE finding in the year following verification has declined.

• OPPAGA identified several issues regarding placement settings, treatment, and services for CSE victims. To address these issues, the Legislature and DCF could consider several recommendations, including (1) expanding services and placements for CSE victims; (2) amending statute to include psychological or physical injury due to CSE in the definition of crime and minor CSE victims who suffered a psychological or physical injury in the definition of victim; and (3) directing the Department of Juvenile Justice to provide CSE-specific treatment and services to CSE victims in department facilities.