Every freaked out when CA changed the law on that - so minors couldn't be charged with prostitution. People thought they were encouraging child prostitution.
NO. They are giving kids a way out, and going after the pimps and johns instead. By definition, minors cannot legally consent.
Cops can still bring them in for protection, give to child services, etc. But they won't charge them with crimes that would go on their record.
Obviously it doesn't work if the kid is completely brainwashed or blackmailed and wont give info on the pimp.
It's not without faults. But better than creating a scenario where kids can't go to the police, either.
You are thinking too small - those people are the proxies, and they are on the same side.
The proxy war is the elite, using leading politicians/govt/CIA, against the public. The same theme is played out globally. eg, Syria is the oil elite, using ISIS/Rebel/CIA proxy armies, against the Syrian people.