Art. 725.3 Statewide protocol; applicability of child in need of care procedure

The state has to create a plan that helps get services to children who have been sexually exploited. This means working with court staff so kids who go through diversion (a program that keeps them out of the formal court system) know about the help available to them, whether it comes from the state, the federal government, or local community organizations.

The rule also makes clear that any child who is a victim of human trafficking is legally considered a "child in need of care." This matters because it means the child qualifies for the same protections and court procedures used to help abused or neglected children. Unless another part of the law says something different, the regular rules for handling child in need of care cases will apply to these children too.