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Learning from child welfare case narratives: A directed content analysis of indicators for human trafficking

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  • Pate, Symone S.
  • Anderson, Valerie R.
  • Kulig, Teresa C.
  • Wilkes, Nicole
  • Sullivan, Christopher J.

Abstract

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to facilitate commercial sex, labor, involuntary servitude, peonage debt bondage, or slavery. Youth within the child welfare system are considered to be at risk for sex trafficking victimization. Additionally, the experiences of youth in the child welfare system, particularly abuse and neglect, have been identified as risk factors for youth sex trafficking. One way to further address human trafficking is by understanding what vulnerabilities may put individuals at risk of being a victim of human trafficking. This study analyzed indicators that are believed to increase the risks for sex trafficking among youth in the child welfare system. A qualitative directed content analysis was conducted to analyze child welfare case narratives (N = 167) to examine the extent to which common vulnerability factors for human trafficking (e.g., trading sex for things of value, unwanted physical contact, previous sexual abuse) were present in substantiated child welfare cases flagged for human trafficking. A total of 75 unique items across 10 assessments were used to create the deductive codebook based on existing human trafficking screening tools (e.g., Trafficking Victim Identification Tool, Adult Trafficking Screening Tool). Findings demonstrated that although there was wide variance across narratives, sexual abuse and sex exchange were the most common vulnerability factors expressed in the case intake narratives. Further, the vast majority of screening variables were not represented in the narratives. These findings call for the use of standardized screening tools, as well as a universal definition of human trafficking, in the child welfare system.

Suggested Citation

  • Pate, Symone S. & Anderson, Valerie R. & Kulig, Teresa C. & Wilkes, Nicole & Sullivan, Christopher J., 2021. "Learning from child welfare case narratives: A directed content analysis of indicators for human trafficking," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:121:y:2021:i:c:s019074092032260x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105838
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Farrell, Amy & Fahy, Stephanie, 2009. "The problem of human trafficking in the U.S.: Public frames and policy responses," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 37(6), pages 617-626, November.
    2. Fong, Rowena & Berger Cardoso, Jodi, 2010. "Child human trafficking victims: Challenges for the child welfare system," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 311-316, August.
    3. Reid, J.A. & Baglivio, M.T. & Piquero, A.R. & Greenwald, M.A. & Epps, N., 2017. "Human trafficking of minors and childhood adversity in Florida," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(2), pages 306-311.
    4. repec:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2016.303564_0 is not listed on IDEAS
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    1. Gerassi, Lara B. & Cruys, Caro & Hendry, Nicole & del Carmen Rosales, Maria, 2023. "How do providers assess young people for risk of sex trafficking? Observed indicators, follow-up, and assessment questions from a sample of social service providers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).

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