You and Your Staff Can Protect Children

Child sexual exploitation occurs when a child under 18 is involved in a sexual act in exchange for money, food, shelter, or any other consideration. Perpetrators may use hotels and motels to carry out this type of child abuse without the knowledge of the owners, managers or staff.

As an owner or manager, there are things you can do to make your property unattractive to the people who perpetrate this crime:

• Restrict unregistered persons in guest rooms between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Require guests and visitors to use the property's main entrance, if you have one.
• Require staff to perform daily room checks and walk the hallways and building perimeter.
• Encourage staff to make eye contact with guests and inquire about their reason for being at the property.
• Share information about suspicious individuals or activities with other properties in your area.

Individuals who are involved in child sexual exploitation are often involved in other illegal activities like selling drugs - neither of these activities are good for your business! 

The AHLA and the Government of Alberta have put together a toolkit to help you and your staff understand the issue of child sexual exploitation, the signs to watch for, and what to do if they see something suspicious.

“The AHLA is pleased to work with Alberta Children and Youth Services to educate our members and their staff about this issue,” said Doug Shandro, Board Chair of the AHLA. “Our members must be made aware of the possibility that their properties could be used for exploitation of children. This campaign will give the people who work in our industry the information and tools they need to prevent this kind of child abuse in hotels and motels.” 

Every AHLA member has been sent a resource kit that will help them educate their staff on what to watch for and what to do if they suspect a child is being abused at their property.   The kit includes:

• Posters & door hangers for staff areas,
• Brochures for your staff outlining signs to watch for, and
• Training DVD

To view the video online, visit http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/1198.cfm. 

If you have not received the toolkit, or want additional copies, please contact hjaniten@ahla.ca.