Featured counter-trafficking program: The CAREs clinic, a primary care medical home for commercially exploited youth

Abstract

This invited article is one of several comprising part of a special issue of Child Abuse and Neglect focused on child trafficking and health. The purpose of each invited article is to describe a specific program serving trafficked children. Featuring these programs is intended to raise awareness of innovative counter-trafficking strategies emerging worldwide and facilitate collaboration on program development and outcomes research. This article describes a medical home model of care to serve the complex medical and mental health needs of commercially sexually exploited youth. Located in Washington D.C., US, it provides coordinated ongoing primary, mental health, and reproductive health care in a trauma-informed manner. Serving 62 youth during its first year, the medical home has begun to improve access to high-quality healthcare to a very vulnerable population.