What is the significance of the Coogan Act in relation to child performers?

The Coogan Act, passed in 1939, holds significant importance in the realm of child performers as it represents the first legal framework established to protect the earnings of child actors. Prior to the enactment of this law, there were minimal safeguards in place to ensure that a child's earnings from their performances were properly managed. The act required that a portion of a child performer’s earnings—specifically 15%—be set aside in a trust fund, which they would gain access to upon reaching adulthood. This was a pivotal step in acknowledging the unique vulnerabilities of child actors in the entertainment industry, allowing them financial security and protection from mismanagement of their earnings. By enforcing this structure, the Coogan Act became a significant milestone in advocating for the rights and welfare of child performers, ensuring that their hard work would lead to tangible benefits in their future.