History

The Edmonton Prostitution Offender Program is an Edmonton City Police initiative approved in April 1996 by the Alberta Ministry of Justice as an Adult Alternative Measures Program.  The first program was held May 25, 1996.  The Prostitution Awareness and Action Foundation of Edmonton (PAAFE) is the governing body which coordinates the Prostitution Offender Program and manages and disburses the funds generated by the Prostitution Offender Program fees.

Development

The Prostitution Offender Program is rooted in the experience of Ed­mon­to­nians working together to address the complex issues of street prostitution.

In February 1996 the EPS Vice Unit sent two members to San Francisco to observe their program.  When they returned, they reported to the monthly Communities For Changing Prostitution meeting and to the Safer Cities Prostitution Working Group.  Both groups endorsed the concept.  The Prostitution Working Group, chaired by the ADM of Justice, hosted a meeting of potential resource groups and speakers who enthusiastically committed to participating in the program.  The proposal was developed by an EPS Vice member and a Safer Cities member.  They submitted this proposal to the provincial Minister of Justice and the Safer Cities Advisory Committee on March 22, 1996.  The Minister of Justice and Edmonton City Council approved it on the recommendation of the Safer Cities Initiatives Advisory Committee.

The Prostitution Awareness and Action Foundation of Edmonton is a collaboration of concerned individuals and groups working towards long term solutions to the complex issues central to prostitution.

Why We Take Action

Street prostitution and related activities harm children, adults, families, communities, and the city.

What We Do

We work through community partnerships to reduce harm and create long term solutions