scholarly journals The Prevalence of Sex Trafficking of Children and Adolescents in the United States: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 152483802093387
Author(s):  
Hannabeth Franchino-Olsen ◽  
Brittney R. Chesworth ◽  
Colleen Boyle ◽  
Cynthia Fraga Rizo ◽  
Sandra L. Martin ◽  
...  

Topic: This scoping review investigated research regarding the magnitude of minor sex trafficking (domestic minor sex trafficking and/or commercial sexual exploitation of children) in the United States, summarizing estimates, methodologies, and strengths and weaknesses of the studies. Method: Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, peer-reviewed articles and the gray literature were accessed via databases searches, reference harvesting, and expert advice. Articles were included if they provided a count or prevalence proportion estimate of trafficked or at-risk minors across or within a region of the United States. Six empirical studies, published from 1999 to 2017, were included in the review. Results: Included studies produced count estimates ( n = 3) or prevalence proportion estimates ( n = 3) for youth at risk of minor sex trafficking ( n = 2) or reporting victimization ( n = 5). Studies examined sex trafficking risk and victimization in different geographical areas, including across the United States ( n = 2), in New York City ( n = 1), and in Ohio ( n = 1). Further, several studies focused on particular populations, such as street and shelter youths ( n = 1) and adjudicated males ( n = 1). Sampling methodologies of reviewed estimates included traditional random sampling ( n = 1), nationally representative sampling ( n = 2), convenience sampling ( n = 1), respondent-driven sampling ( n = 1), purposive sampling ( n = 1), and use of census data ( n = 2). Conclusion: Little research has estimated the prevalence of minor sex trafficking in the United States. The existing studies examine different areas and populations and use different categories to estimate the problem. The estimates reviewed here should be cited cautiously. Future research is needed on this important topic, including methodologies to produce more representative estimates of this hard-to-reach population.

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1002-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jee Young Joo ◽  
Diane L. Huber

The purpose of this study is to identify issues of case management (CM) interventions in the United States in recent studies and to identify implications for future research into CM. This study was guided by the following framework for a scoping review. Multiple electronic databases were searched to identify studies published between 2007 and 2016 in the United States and related to nursing CM. Five weaknesses were identified: no clear and consistent definition of CM, lack of theoretical frameworks, lack of standard guidelines in CM practice, lack of precise CM dosage and of process measures, and limited reports of explicit role of nurse case managers and role confusion by nurses. Three strengths were also identified. More rigorous and continuous efforts to develop theoretical frameworks and evaluation tools, as well as clear definitions and precise role descriptions, are required for future research and practice into CM.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 714-748
Author(s):  
Kanathy Haney ◽  
Kelsea LeBeau ◽  
Samantha Bodner ◽  
Annika Czizik ◽  
Mary Ellen Young ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Mehlman-Orozco

Current social and political realties have focused attention on human trafficking in the United States. Although new mechanisms for criminalizing offenders and protecting victims are increasingly funded and implemented across the country, empirical exploration into the efficacy of these interventions is lacking. This article uses yearly count data on juvenile prostitution arrests aggregated at the state level to explore the criminalization of commercial sexually exploited children post safe harbor policy implementation. Preliminary data from four states suggests that the passage of safe harbor laws may not reduce the number of juveniles arrested for prostitution crimes. Implications for future research are discussed.


Author(s):  
Lawrence M. Berger ◽  
Maria Cancian ◽  
Laura Cuesta ◽  
Jennifer L. Noyes

The prevalence of incarceration in the United States is increasingly well known. The prevalence of family involvement with child protective services (CPS) is less understood, though, and there is limited research examining links between incarceration and CPS involvement. Here, we describe the incidence and prevalence of incarceration and CPS involvement in the United States and outline reasons that the same individuals and families may be at risk for involvement in both systems. We then use unique longitudinal data from Wisconsin to describe intergenerational and intragenerational overlap in the two systems. Specifically, we calculate (1) the proportion of all CPS-involved children who have an incarcerated parent; (2) the proportion of incarcerated adults who have a CPS-involved child; (3) the proportion of incarcerated young men and women who were involved in the CPS system as adolescents; and (4) the proportion of CPS-involved adolescents who subsequently became incarcerated. We conclude with a discussion of directions for future research and implications for practice and policy.


Author(s):  
In Seo La ◽  
Mei Ching Lee ◽  
Katherine A. Hinderer ◽  
Iris Chi ◽  
Ruotong Liu ◽  
...  

Background: The Asian American (AA) population is rapidly becoming one of the largest racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Despite this growth and advances in palliative care (PC) programs in the United States, the scope and nature of the literature regarding PC for AAs remains unclear. This review provides an overview of existing research on PC for AAs, identifies gaps in the research with recommendations for future research and delineates practice implications. Methods: A scoping review of studies published in English was conducted. Electronic Databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases) were searched up to December 2019. No starting date limit was set. Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework was followed for scoping reviews. Results: Of 2390 publications initially identified, 42 studies met our inclusion criteria for this review. Southeast AA subgroups remain understudied compared to East and South AAs. Most studies were descriptive; a few (n = 3) evaluated effectiveness of PC interventions for AAs. Research synthesized in this review addresses the following topics and includes considerations in PC related to care recipients and their relatives: treatment choice discussions (73%), coordination of care with health care providers (26%), symptom management (14%), and emotional support (10%). This review identified various factors around PC for AAs, specifically the influence of cultural aspects, including levels of acculturation, traditional norms and values, and religious beliefs. Conclusion: A culturally inclusive approach is vital to providing appropriate and accessible PC for AAs. Further research is needed concerning core PC components and effective interventions across diverse AA subgroups.


Author(s):  
Diana Montoya-Williams ◽  
Victoria Guazzelli Williamson ◽  
Michelle Cardel ◽  
Elena Fuentes-Afflick ◽  
Mildred Maldonado-Molina ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052096030
Author(s):  
Mary K. Twis ◽  
Lynzee Gillespie ◽  
Don Greenwood

Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is the commercial sexual exploitation of a minor citizen or legal resident within the United States. Previous research suggests that although DMST is often discussed as though it is a uniform phenomenon, traffickers may use different tactics and exploit different victim vulnerabilities depending upon their established relationships with those who are at-risk for trafficking. The purpose of this qualitative study, therefore, is to explore the relationship patterns and dynamics that emerge between DMST victims and their romantic partner traffickers. This study utilizes the secondary case files of 38 domestic minors who were trafficked for sex by their romantic partners in one state in the United States between 2012 and 2017. The study is conceptualized according to the principles of directed content analysis and multiple case study design and relies heavily on previous research findings related to victim-trafficker relationship typology. The authors conducted two rounds of coding before applying themes to the case files. The analysis revealed that DMST victims trafficked by romantic partners are often influenced by environmental circumstances, such as gang involvement and family systems involvement. Romantic partner traffickers use specific recruitment tactics to entrap their victims, and exercise methods such as caregiving, sexual violence, and psychological violence to maintain control over their victims. Study results provide a significant extension to the anti-trafficking field’s understanding of DMST and the romantic partner relationships that underpin it. The results suggest that anti-trafficking advocates should screen at-risk adolescents for gang involvement, family involvement in the sex industry. They should also educate at-risk adolescents about DMST as a potential component of teen dating violence.


Crisis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 433-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Gryglewicz ◽  
Melanie Bozzay ◽  
Brittany Arthur-Jordon ◽  
Gabriela D. Romero ◽  
Melissa Witmeier ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Given challenges that exceed the normal developmental requirements of adolescence, deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) youth are believed to be at elevated risk for engaging in suicide-related behavior (SRB). Unfortunately, little is known about the mechanisms that put these youth potentially at risk. Aims: To determine whether peer relationship difficulties are related to increased risk of SRB in DHH youth. Method: Student records (n = 74) were retrieved from an accredited educational center for deaf and blind students in the United States. Results: Peer relationship difficulties were found to be significantly associated with engagement in SRB but not when accounting for depressive symptomatology. Limitations: The restricted sample limits generalizability. Conclusions regarding risk causation cannot be made due to the cross-sectional nature of the study. Conclusion: These results suggest the need for future research that examines the mechanisms of the relationship between peer relationship difficulties, depression, and suicide risk in DHH youth and potential preventive interventions to ameliorate the risks for these at-risk youth.


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