The New Model Laws

Child models in New York - that is, those under the age of 16 - will now be afforded the same protection offered to other young performers, like actors and singers. Coco Rocha joined Sara Ziff, founder and executive director of the Model Alliance, at a press conference yesterday to celebrate the development.

"Having once been a child model myself, I know all too well that, up until now, a large underage workforce has lived and worked under very little legal protection in 21st century New York," Rocha said. "I'm so excited to see us make a huge step in the right direction, and I'm thrilled that Ive been able to be a part of such a momentous moment which is sure to change the future of our industry for the better."

Child Model Protection Law

The law, which becomes effective November 20, will ensure the following:

• A responsible person will be designated to monitor the activity and safety for each child performer under the age of 16 in the work place.

• Employers must provide a nurse with paediatric experience as well as health and safety information.

• An education requirement decrees that employers must provide teachers and a dedicated space for instruction.

• A financial trust must be established by a child model's parent or guardian into which an employer must transfer at least 15 per cent of the child's gross earnings.

"This is a major step for minors, made possible by the convergence of two social trends," Susan Scafidi, founder and academic director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham Law School, said. "Concern over children's welfare, and the increased recognition of fashion as an art form - thus models as performers."