Understanding and Responding to the Needs of Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth

Ijadi-Maghsoodi, Roya; Cook, Mekeila; Barnert, Elizabeth S.; Gaboian, Shushanik; Bath, Eraka

doi:10.1016/j.chc.2015.08.007

Cited by 68 publications

(63 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…The individual risk factors include the youth's own history that may expose them to other risk factors linked to exploitation. Adverse childhood experiences and ongoing adversity such as child abuse and neglect, homelessness (running away or being "thrown-away"), LGBTQ+ identity, and being involved with child welfare or criminal justice systems, all contribute to exposing youth to risky circumstances leading to their sexual exploitation [7]. Recent research confirms that youth who have been sexually exploited have the highest numbers of ACES, with sexual abuse being the most common [8,9].…”

Section: Microsystemmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Risk factors are inclusive of individual and relationship risk factors. Combined levels of risk can lead to impacted psychological well-being and instability that push youth to look for support elsewhere [7]. Within the mesosystem, peer pressure and social norms may also encourage the youth to engage in risky behavior, including early consensual sexual activity, substance use, or gang involvement.…”

Section: Mesosystemmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Adapting a family intervention to reduce risk factors for sexual exploitation

Bounds

Otwell

Melendez

et al. 2020

Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health

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Background: Sexually exploited youth are disconnected from societal tethers and need support systems, which makes them some of the most vulnerable of youth. This heightened level of vulnerability increases their risk for violence, abuse, ongoing sexual exploitation and all its sequelae. The purpose of this study was to examine an evidencebased intervention called STRIVE (support to reunite, involve and value each other) that has been a successful family re-engagement strategy with newly homeless youth. We sought to explore its contextual relevance for youth with risk factors for sexual exploitation and identify necessary adaptations to reduce risk factors for sexual exploitation. We deliberately took an intersectional approach in conducting this study. Methods:Six community-based focus groups were conducted with youth at risk for sexual exploitation and their service providers. Each group was recorded, transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. Results:Results from 29 youth and 11 providers indicate that there are unique considerations that must be taken into account while working with youth at risk for sexual exploitation to ensure effective service delivery and/or ethical research. Emergent themes included: setting the stage by building rapport and acknowledging experiences of structural violence, protect and hold which balances youth's need for advocacy/support with their caregivers' need for validation/understanding, and walking the safety tightrope by assessing risks and safety planning.Discussion: Focus groups are an effective methodology when working with traditionally disempowered populations particularly in gaining a range of perspectives to meet unique needs/preferences. Youth at risk for commercial sexual exploitation needs require strengths-based, individualized, multi-systemic approaches.

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Section: Microsystemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Mesosystemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adapting a family intervention to reduce risk factors for sexual exploitation

Bounds

Otwell

Melendez

et al. 2020

Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health

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“…The DCF policy for suspected victims of DMST is comprehensive and consistent with the available recommendations for treatment of victims (CT DCF 2014;Ijadi-Maghsoodi et al 2016;Miller-Perrin and Wurtele 2017). The policy covers the process of assessment and care beginning with an accepted hotline report.…”

Section: Risk Across the Populationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sex trafficking often, although not always, involves additional layers of trauma and victimization related to the victim's situation, such as extended abuse, relocation, entrapment and other experiences that may result in complex trauma (Hardy et al 2013). Although there are legal and contextual differences, both victims of child sexual abuse and/or DMST have an elevated risk of mental health problems (e.g., PTSD and depression) and may need similar services (Ijadi-Maghsoodi et al 2016) to treat these complex issues. However, best practices are still being developed and tested.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inequalities in US Child Protection: The Case of Sex Trafficked Youth

2018

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This article demonstrates how structural social work theory and critical consciousness development can be used to help facilitate a transition from a deficit model approach to an inequities perspective in a child welfare system that was working to improve the identification of and services for domestic minor sex trafficked youth (DMST). The response of Connecticut's child welfare system to the issue of DMST is provided as an example of how a child welfare systems could apply an inequities perspective to a population involved in and at risk for exploitation. Structural social work theory helps illustrate how neo-liberalist social structures in the United States perpetuate and maintain social inequity based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status for youth at risk for DMST. Through critical consciousness development, youth can be recognized as victims of intersecting forms of oppression, rather than criminals. These theories can be combined to increase individual awareness of the risks and oppression of youth across the population, and to identify how child welfare services can be leveraged to decrease inequities and improve child well-being.

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“…Furthermore, psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders, are common sequelae of being trafficked [33,34]. Possible consequences of sex trafficking include pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections [35,36]. In addition, it has been suggested that some girls who are prostituted are beaten to induce miscarriages [37].…”

Section: Sexual Violence and Family Planningmentioning

confidence: 99%