Understanding the risk and protective factors among children of mothers engaged in street-level prostitution

Abstract

In recent years, street-level prostitution (SLP) and the multitude of risks and adverse outcomes associated with the labor of SLP have received increased attention. However, the risk factors and treatment needs among the children of women engaged in SLP remain relatively unknown. To address this gap, the current study conducted fifteen semi-structured, qualitative interviews with women engaged in SLP to explore their perceptions of their children’s presenting concerns, experiences, and environments to gain insights toward their potential treatment needs. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and double-coded using an inductive content analysis approach. Respondents were recruited from local substance use treatment facilities, an employment assistance program and through snowball sampling. Respondents reported on common desires for their children to receive intervention in areas of concern such as mental health, behavioral issues, substance use, trauma, and school behaviors. Participating mothers also represented a key source of support and strength to their children. Findings provide valuable insights, discussion areas, and implications for the development of future prevention, intervention, and treatment targets for an understudied population of children, but those increasingly vulnerable for poor outcomes.