THE AREA OF PROSTITUTION SOLICITATION CONSIDERED IS NEAR A CHURCH IN WASHINGTON, D.C. POLICE CONSIDER THE PROBLEM IN THAT AREA TO BE OF EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS, WITH MURDERS, SUICIDES, NARCOTICS, AND GENERALLY VIOLENT BEHAVIOR BEING A PART OF THE GROWING SUBCULTURE, PROSTITUTION. JUVENILE PROSTITUTES ARE PARTICULARLY IN EVIDENCE. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT EFFORTS BY THE PASTOR OF THE AREA'S CHURCH TO REACH THE PROSTITUTES THROUGH COUNSELING AND HEALTH SERVICES HAVE FAILED BECAUSE THE PROSTITUTES ARE TOO DEEPLY EMBEDDED IN THE LIFE STYLE AND FINANCIAL REWARDS OF PROSTITUTION TO SEEK ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES. A CASE HISTORY IS REPORTED OF A JUVENILE RUNAWAY WHO WAS APPROACHED BY SOME PROSTITUTES WHEN SHE GOT OFF A BUS AND WAS FORCED INTO A LIFE OF PROSTITUTION. THE EFFORTS OF THE NATIONAL OFFICE FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO ESTABLISH A PILOT SHELTER IN THE NEARBY CHURCH ARE DESCRIBED. A TRAINED STAFF IS NEEDED TO SUPERVISE A REFERRAL SYSTEM, FREE COUNSELING AND MEDICAL SERVICES, AND AN OUTREACH PROGRAM TO CONTACT RUNAWAYS AT LOCAL TRANSPORTATION CENTERS BEFORE THEY ARE DRAWN INTO PROSTITUTION. THE AUTHOR'S OBSERVATIONS WHILE RIDING IN AN UNMARKED POLICE CAR IN THE STUDY AREA ARE REPORTED. AN INTERVIEW WITH A LAWYER WHO DEFENDS PROSTITUTES IS ALSO PROVIDED. ARGUMENTS FOR DECRIMINALIZING PROSTITUTION AND APPROACHING IT AS A SERIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEM MAINTAIN THAT LEGAL SANCTIONS ADD ADDITIONAL STRESS TO A PROSTITUTE'S LIFE, WHILE INTENSIFYING HER ALIENATION FROM SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE LIFESTYLES. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A PROSTITUTE AND HER PIMP IS ALSO NOTED AS A FACTOR HINDERING THE REHABILITATION OF PROSTITUTES. (RCB)