Building a specialized model of care for youth involved in sex trafficking in child welfare: A systematic review and interviews with experts-by-experience

Abstract

BackgroundSex trafficking of youth involved in the child welfare system is a critical global issue; however, there are limited counter-trafficking programs designed to specifically meet the needs of this population. ObjectiveThe present study aimed to identify components essential to building a model of care for youth involved in sex trafficking in child welfare. The specific goals of this investigation were to: 1) systematically review the literature for programs implemented with child-welfare involved youth at risk of or involved in sex trafficking, and 2) examine convergent and divergent evidence through interviews with experts-by-experience (i.e., survivors and child welfare personnel). Participants and setting13 child welfare workers and 6 survivors of sex trafficking. MethodsSystematic review identified articles that included programs and interventions for youth involved in sex trafficking in child welfare. Interviews with experts-by-experience were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. Content analysis was used to examine convergent and divergent evidence between the two noted methods of inquiry (systematic review and interviews with experts). ResultsFindings from the systematic review support a model of care comprised of two overarching components: 1) wraparound supports, and 2) trained caregivers and supported foster homes. Thematic analyses also revealed that experts thought that an appropriate model of care would require child welfare agencies to take a preventative stance, such as conducting early coordinated risk assessments on all youth in care. Convergent with the literature, experts noted the need for enhanced wraparound supports and specific training for caregivers and service providers. ConclusionsComponents essential to building a model of care for youth at risk of or involved in sex trafficking in child welfare were extracted and discussed based on the evidence gathered.