What is a John School?
John School PBC is a diversion program for individuals arrested on misdemeanor charges for either purchasing or selling commercial sex in Palm Beach County. Separate classes for buyers and sellers, are offered to address both demand and supply. There are three sections to both courses:
TRAPS Class for buyers: Training Reducing Abuse, Prostitution and Solicitation
1. Health Consequences – Lecture/slide show. Specific details on the various sexually transmitted infections, long term health consequences and treatment problems. 60 minutes. Presented by nurse, nurse practitioner or medical doctor.
2. Facts vs. Myths of Prostitution – Ten common myths about prostitution and prostitutes are debunked. A sex trafficking survivor shares her story to strengthen the information shared and compound impact. The program identifies the linkage between pornography, prostitution, and human trafficking, along with vulnerabilities that usher women into prostitution/sex trafficking. This material is to educate buyers to the impact of the choices they make when purchasing sex. Presented by survivor alongside LMHC or MSW
3. Group Therapy Topics: Orchestrated by LMHC or MSW.
Mental Health Issues – Explore issues regarding sexual addictions, compulsions, triggers, tools for managing sexual impulses, and relapse prevention.
Socialization Concerns –Explore male socialization promoting objectification, entitlement and devaluation of women and justification of violence/domination of women and minority groups with the goal of reframing what healthy, respectful manhood looks like and the personal and social benefits. Presented by LMHC or MSW.
ReSPECT class for sellers: Reducing Solicitation, Prostitution, Education, Coaching & Training
1. Health Consequences – Lecture/slide show. Specific details on the various sexually transmitted infections, long term health consequences and treatment problems. 60 minutes. Presented by nurse, nurse practitioner or medical doctor
2. The Lies I Believed – Presented by a sex trafficking survivor who got out of the life. She explores the lies that kept her there, how force, fraud and coercion played into her story. A mental health counselor presents with her, explaining how trauma, family of origin dynamics, previous victimization and disassociation work together to trap someone in the life. 60 minutes. Presented by Survivors along with LMHC or MSW.
3. Group Therapy Topics: Orchestrated by LMHC or MSW.
Vulnerability Issues – Explores how molestation, incest, rape, shame-based family of origin, low self-worth and addictions as well as the impact of trauma and complex trauma create vulnerabilities.
Self-Worth – Explores powerlessness, helplessness and hopelessness, and impact on personal value, along with the idea of “possibilities” of what life might hold beyond this legal issue. Resources are provided for addressing addictions, counseling, safe house options, shelters, case management, and training/education for developing marketable skills.
