Child Abuse and Neglect
Volume 58, 2016, Pages 99-110

Supporting youth involved in domestic minor sex trafficking: Divergent perspectives on youth agency (Article)

Sapiro B.* , Johnson L. , Postmus J.L. , Simmel C.
  • a Center on Violence Against Women & Children, School of Social Work, Rutgers University, United States
  • b Center on Violence Against Women & Children, School of Social Work, Rutgers University, United States
  • c Center on Violence Against Women & Children, School of Social Work, Rutgers University, United States
  • d Center on Violence Against Women & Children, School of Social Work, Rutgers University, United States

Abstract

Domestic-minor sex trafficking (DMST) continues to affect youth in the United States; however, lack of empirical evidence for interventions and the complex sociopolitical discourses surrounding sex trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) hamper delivery of effective services to this population. To explore perspectives on best practices with these young people, 20 in-depth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders whose work provides them with a unique vantage point on the needs and experiences of survivors of DMST in New Jersey. Notes from interviews were coded and analyzed for emergent themes. While key stakeholders generally agreed on best practices, there were several important areas of dispute that emerged regarding how best to serve youth involved in DMST, specifically with regard to youth running away from services, models of service provision, and the use of technology by these youth. Findings suggest that professionals from diverse backgrounds may disagree about the extent to which youth involved in DMST possess agency in their decision-making capacities as adolescents. This study explores these areas of dispute, and discusses the implications for the many different professionals and systems that must work together in providing services to this population. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd

Author Keywords

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) Interventions for youth trafficking domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) Stakeholder collaboration Youth agency

Index Keywords

New Jersey Child Abuse, Sexual sexual behavior human social support Child Protective Services consensus development organization child protection sex trafficking interview United States Humans Adolescent model male female juvenile sexual exploitation child sexual abuse prevention and control human trafficking standards running Delivery of Health Care decision making Organizations health care delivery Child

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84976277145&doi=10.1016%2fj.chiabu.2016.06.019&partnerID=40&md5=bda7756e4142171163fd3bca5febdcf7

DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2016.06.019
ISSN: 01452134
Cited by: 14
Original Language: English