During the 2023 Session of the Virginia General Assembly, policymakers directed the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to establish a two-year pilot program titled Demand Reduction and Safe Harbor for Domestic Minor Sex Trafficked Youth. The legislation directed DCJS, in consultation with the Virginia State Crime Commission, to identify a suitable locality to administer a twoyear pilot program:

(i) implementing proactive reverse sting operations that target buyers of sex services, with priority given to cases involving sex trafficked youth; (ii) utilizing a multidisciplinary response team to coordinate assessment and treatment for victims of sex trafficking; and (iii) designing an alternative to an arrest protocol that includes a 48–72 hour holding mechanism for youth either in partnership with a local department of social services, a local department of child protective services, or a local hospital or through court services. The stated goal of the pilot program shall be to reduce the arrest of sex trafficking victims, reduce demand for commercial sex exploitation by focusing on buyers, and establish high-quality education, alternative employment opportunities, and life skills for victims.

On June 28, 2024, a fully executed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by three parties including the lead pilot agency, the Virginia State Crime Commission, and DCJS. The MOU describes the goals, roles, responsibilities, and duties related to the pilot program.

Virginia’s 2024–2026 biennium budget, finalized in May 2024, includes $200,000 the first year and $400,000 the second year from the general fund to support costs associated with the pilot program.

The legislation also requires that DCJS, in consultation with the Virginia State Crime Commission, report annually to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Attorney General no later than October 1, 2025, on the progress of the pilot program.

In accordance with the legislation, the location of the pilot program will remain confidential until the conclusion of the program in 2026.