Human Trafficking of Minors and Childhood Adversity in Florida

Reid, Joan A.; Baglivio, Michael T.; Piquero, Alex R.; Greenwald, Mark A.; Epps, Nathan

doi:10.2105/ajph.2016.303564

Cited by 128 publications

(87 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…These factors are part of a larger spectrum of adverse childhood experiences, which are well documented to confer greater vulnerability to adverse outcomes including substance use and mental health problems 9,21 and in one study, shown to place youth at higher risk for commercial sexual exploitation 9 . Not surprisingly, the CSE youth in our sample demonstrated a high prevalence of both substance and mental health problems.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Risk factors for both commercial sexual exploitation and mental health problems include high rates of childhood trauma exposure, homelessness, victimization related to sexual orientation, and violence and threats when trafficked. 9,10 Indeed, prevalence of mental health problems, including depression and PTSD, are especially high among this population 11 . A study of CSE youth from agencies and clinics in Northern California found that 30% of youth engaged in self-harming behaviors 12 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring Mental Health and Substance use Treatment Needs of Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth Participating in a Specialty Juvenile Court

Cook

Barnert

Ijadi-Maghsoodi

et al. 2018

Behavioral Medicine

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The study sought to: 1) describe the mental health and substance use profiles among participants of a specialty trafficking court program (the Succeed Though Achievement and Resilience Court); 2) describe youths’ mental health and substance use treatment prior to participating in the program; and 3) examine whether abuse influences report of mental health problems and/or substance use. Retrospective case review of court files was performed on commercially sexually exploited youth who volunteered to participate in the court from 2012 to 2014 (N=184). All participants were female. Mental health problems and report of substance use was high among this population. Substance use differed at statistically significant levels between youth with a documented abuse history compared to those with no abuse history. Substance use also differed by report of mental health problems. Unexpected findings included the high rate of hospitalization for mental health problems and relatively low substance use treatment prior to STAR Court participation. Opportunities for improvement in critical points of contact to identify commercially sexually exploited youth and address their health needs are discussed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Mental Health and Substance use Treatment Needs of Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth Participating in a Specialty Juvenile Court

Cook

Barnert

Ijadi-Maghsoodi

et al. 2018

Behavioral Medicine

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“…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]. Poor family functioning or conflict is a significant contributing or exacerbating factor for running away or being asked to leave home [8][9][10].…”

Section: Microsystemmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…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]. Poor family functioning or conflict is a significant contributing or exacerbating factor for running away or being asked to leave home [8][9][10].…”

Section: Microsystemmentioning

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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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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“…Statistics from the United States Human Trafficking Reporting System indicate that 85% of identified sex trafficking victims were U.S. citizens/legal residents and 55% were minors . Risk factors associated with CST include a history of abuse, substance use, juvenile justice system involvement, a history of running away from home, and LGBTQ status …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%