Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Child Welfare-Involved Youth

Background and Purpose: Commercial sexual exploitation of children, i.e. child sex trafficking, sex trafficking or domestic minor sex trafficking, is a severe form of child maltreatment that is defined as any sexual acts performed by a minor under age 18 in exchange for anything of economic value.  Children and youth who have experienced maltreatment are more likely to be trafficked due to their increased emotional and/or physical vulnerability to traffickers.  Youth of all sexual orientations, gender identities, from a variety of ethnic, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds are at risk for this insidious form of sexual abuse. Although the consequences to victims are often serious and long-term, efforts to prevent, identify and respond to this issue are hindered due to limited knowledge, support and coordination. Child welfare professionals are expected to provide case management and specialized services for trafficked youth. The aim of this study is to outline the issues as they relate to the disproportionate involvement of child welfare involved youth as victims of commercial sexual exploitation and expands the research by qualitatively exploring child welfare workers attitudes and experiences with trafficked youth.

Methods: Using a semi-structured guide, qualitative data were collected from focus groups with child welfare workers to examine their awareness of child sexual exploitation and sex trafficking; and, their readiness to intervene with at risk or confirmed cases. Five focus groups of 10-12 child welfare professionals were held in different geographical regions of a mid-Atlantic state. Participants were all employed for local child welfare agencies.

Results: Findings revealed that professionals understanding of human trafficking and its relation to child welfare was limited. There were many who felt that their current level of awareness, training, and resources were not sufficient for them to work with this specialized population of disconnected youth. Those participants in focus groups from non-urban settings tended to have lower awareness, fewer training opportunities, and less experience in handling cases involving at risk or trafficked youth. Additionally, focus group participants noted that most of the state infrastructure and victim services’ agencies are found in urban and suburban communities.

Conclusions and Implications: While child welfare systems were not designed to specifically respond to victims of child sex trafficking, the emerging evidence indicates that child welfare professionals are encountering children and youth who have been trafficked. In order for them to adequately address the needs of this extremely vulnerable population, it is clear that specialized training for child welfare professionals regarding victims of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking is necessary.