Juvenile and Family Court Judges’ Knowledge and Attitudes About Sex Trafficking of Minors: Associations with Gender, Race, and U.S. Region

Abstract

Juvenile and family court judges are a professional group that have a significant amount of decision‐making power in cases of sex trafficking of minors. The purpose of this project is to examine the association of juvenile and family court judges’ gender, race, and U.S. region with their attitudes and knowledge about sex trafficking of minors. Drawing from a survey of 55 juvenile and family court judges in the U.S., this study used standardized scales to measure attitudes and knowledge about child sex trafficking. Results indicate some differences by gender and geography in a sample of experienced judges across the U.S. The consistency of these findings are discussed in the context of other research and implications for targeted training.

The utility of trauma evaluations in judicial decision‐making in child sex trafficking cases: A qualitative analysis

“…In these ways it seems that societal attitudes and notions of accountability (shaped by law and funding levels) influence when and how professional groups have come to the table to learn how to respond. Even 20 years after the passage of the TVPA, there is some evidence of inconsistent training, negative attitudes and limited awareness of child sex trafficking by geographical region and professional affiliation (Cole et al, 2020; Farrell & Pfeffer, 2014). Additionally, some respondents stipulated that education on these issues needed to occur further upstream during undergraduate, graduate or legal education and/or be mandated as part of required professional development.…”

“…Although likely underreported, it is estimated that 200,000 children are victims of CSEC annually in the United States, with up to 325,000 youth at high risk (Goldberg & Moore, 2018). Statistically, in the US, youth who are sex trafficked are more likely to be girls and racial minorities (Cole et al, 2020). In addition, LGBTQ+ youth, youth with a history of child maltreatment, and those at risk for involvement with child and family services are at particularly high risk for commercial sexual exploitation (Busch-Armendariz et al, 2016).…”

“…Yet, there is limited research that has considered the role judges play in how minor victims of commercial sexual exploitation are treated in juvenile and family courts, or the information available to judges to inform decision making. Judicial behavior has been described as complex and influenced by a myriad of individual, socio-political and systemic processes, and judges often have to make quick decisions based on limited input (Cole et al, 2020). However, despite the need for on the spot decision-making, many judges report they lack knowledge regarding human trafficking (Cole et al, 2020).…”

“…Judicial behavior has been described as complex and influenced by a myriad of individual, socio‐political and systemic processes, and judges often have to make quick decisions based on limited input (Cole et al, 2020). However, despite the need for on the spot decision‐making, many judges report they lack knowledge regarding human trafficking (Cole et al, 2020).…”