Understanding and Responding to the Needs of Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth: Recommendations for the Mental Health Provider

Date

2016

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America

Abstract

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a critical human rights and public health issue that child psychiatrists and other mental health providers can play an important role in addressing. Although commercially sexually exploited youth often go unidentified by health providers, these youth may have frequent contact with health care, juvenile delinquency, and foster care systems, and therefore, likely interact with mental health providers who work in these settings. Although the data on commercially sexually exploited youth are limited, studies show that these youth are at high risk for medical and psychiatric problems and have challenging psychosocial histories, including having experienced childhood abuse, homelessness, and foster care placement.1–4 The exact numbers of commercially sexually exploited youth are unknown given the clandestine nature of the exploitation and underreporting. Experts suggest that the number of sexually exploited children in the United States may be growing.1 Understanding the risk factors for commercial sexual exploitation, the health and mental health implications, and treatment options can help improve detection and care for this underserved population. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, trafficking, risk factors, intervention, treatment, research

Citation

Ijadi-Maghsoodi, R., Cook, M., Barnert, E. S., Gaboian, S., & Bath, E. (2016). Understanding and responding to the needs of commercially sexually exploited youth: recommendations for the mental health provider. Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America, 25(1), 107-122.

DOI