Families in Italy are being asked to 'adopt' a prostitute, as part of a campaign aimed at clearing the streets of working girls.
City councillors in Padua say they hope it will be the first step towards reintegrating thousands of young prostitutes back into society.
The campaign is called Adopt a Glow-worm. 'Glow worm' means "loose girl" in Italian slang.
Raffaele Zanon, from the city council, said: "Naturally this initiative is just a drop in the ocean, but it is important to support those girls who want to make a new start in life.
"It is also important that institutions support the families who are willing to take the reformed prostitutes into their homes."
Some 70,000 prostitutes sell themselves on Italy's streets. The majority come from eastern Europe or Africa, and 40% are underage.
The Austrian Press Agency reports the adoption project has the support of two human rights organisations that are helping prepare people for their new family members.
In recent months Italy has launched a fierce campaign against prostitution. In Rome, punters face fines of up to £2,700 and prostitutes caught by authorities more than once can find themselves jailed for up to 15 days.
Story filed: 12:54 Thursday 23rd January 2003
Nothing excites me like an underaged prostitute!
Well, maybe an underaged midget prostitute.
