Abstract:
Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is a significant issue that affects
children, families, and communities throughout the United States. Due to the
illegal nature of the problem, it is difficult for law enforcement to identify victims
of DMST and when they are identified it is challenging to provide them with
services. Because law enforcement often encounter DMST victims through
first response calls or within juvenile hall, it is important to understand the
collaboration efforts between social workers and law enforcement in order to
provide effective services for this population. Therefore, the purpose of this
study is to gain an understanding of the perceptions of law enforcement
officers regarding the involvement of social workers in DMST cases. This
study used a qualitative design by collecting data through face-to-face
interviews with 10 law enforcement officers from Los Angeles County and San
Bernardino County. This design allowed participants the opportunity to provide
a more in-depth explanation regarding the involvement of social workers in
DMST cases. The study found that there is a need for social workers to
collaborate with law enforcement agencies to provide and advocate for
services for victims of DMST. The study also indicated the need for transitional
housing or other placement options for youth because the current alternative is
incarceration.