Examining state-wide trends on domestic trafficking: Implications for interventions by youth-serving agencies

Background: Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is considered a significant social problem. However, research on DMST youths’ needs is limited, which hampers the effectiveness of service providers working with this... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is considered a significant social problem. However, research on DMST youths’ needs is limited, which hampers the effectiveness of service providers working with this population. This mixed methods exploratory study examines statewide trends in abuse reports for youth (N = 175) where domestic trafficking (including both labor and sexual exploitation) is alleged. It further provides an in-depth look at a subset of youth (N = 8) receiving services from child welfare due to trafficking involvement. Together, the data are informative for guiding services for this population.

Method: Both sources of data were from the state’s child welfare agency: administrative data (abuse reports of youth) and the case records of eight DMST-youth who were under the auspices of the agency. Administrative data were analyzed in SPSS; descriptive analyses and cross tabulations were conducted to examine multiple aspects of the youth (i.e.., demographics; geography; background risk elements). The case record data were examined qualitatively in Atlas.ti to illuminate the risk and protective factors in youths’ backgrounds and current functioning.

Results: Demographic data revealed that youth associated with domestic trafficking referrals were predominately female; most were African American or White. The reporting source ranged widely according to how the youth were reported to the state (i.e., suspicion of maltreatment vs. in need of services). For both groups of youth, sexual abuse and neglect were the most frequent types of alleged maltreatment; biological parents were the most frequently identified alleged perpetrator. Qualitative coding analysis of the case records identified three ecological themes of risk and protective factors organized by variables at the structural, family, and individual levels.

Discussion: Findings illuminate the demographic characteristics and victimization experiences of trafficking-involved youth served by a child welfare agency. These results can guide policies and interventions for youth-serving agencies.