Specialized Residential Placements for Child Trafficking Victims 2019

Date

2019

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Northeastern University, Children's Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, and National Center for Youth Law

Abstract

This study outlines the policies, practices, and programming that have been implemented across the US to provide specialized responses to exploited and trafficked youth within residential placement settings. Although there is not currently sufficient data in the field to support a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of different placement models, this study describes the features of a specialized response and offers suggestions to improve programming and practice. Our specific aims included: Data for this study included a review of existing state law and policy related to the provision of specialized services for child trafficking victims, a survey of 128 providers offering specialized responses to child trafficking within a residential setting and in-depth interviews with 23 program directors or clinical staff to better understand the nature, strengths and challenges of various specialized responses to child trafficking within residential settings. Five key components of a specialized child trafficking response are outlined. These include: Contextualizing the legal landscape of each state through a review of mandatory provisions to protect child victims of human trafficking. Describing the national landscape of existing residential programs across the United States that offer specialized services for child victims of human trafficking. Data for this study included a review of existing state law and policy related to the provision of specialized services for child trafficking victims, a survey of 128 providers offering specialized responses to child trafficking within a residential setting and in-depth interviews with 23 program directors or clinical staff to better understand the nature, strengths and challenges of various specialized responses to child trafficking within residential settings. Five key components of a specialized child trafficking response are outlined. These include: 1) Staffing; 2) Participation in a Multi-Disciplinary Team response; 3) Physical Space; 4) Practices and Programming; 5) Safety. [CVRL Note: see also CVR webinar with authors, "Housing Child Trafficking Victims: A Look at the National Landscape." (CVRL Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, commercial exploitation, CSEC, rescue, foster care, intervention, treatment, therapy, health care, research

Citation

Farrell, Amy; Lockwood, Sarah; Goggin, Kelly; Hogan, Shannon. (2019). Specialized Residential Placements for Child Trafficking Victims 2019. Northeastern University, Children's Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, and National Center for Youth Law. 28p

DOI