Domestic Child Sex Trafficking. OUR KIDS... Are NOT FOR SALE

Transcription

1 Domestic Child Sex Trafficking OUR KIDS... Are NOT FOR SALE

2 BIENVENIDOS - WELCOME

3 As a result of this session, you will be better able to: Understand the requirements of the Preventing Sex Trafficking component of P.L Identify victims and children at risk of domestic child sex trafficking Explore how child welfare and juvenile justice involvement may contribute to the vulnerability and sexual exploitation of children

4 Public Law (P.L ) The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act, Public Law (P.L ) became law on September 29, The law amends the title IV-E foster care program to address sex trafficking and other issues...

5 Sex Trafficking - definition sex trafficking means the recruitment harboring transportation provision, or obtaining of a person... for the purpose of a commercial sex act.

6 What are some commonly held MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS in society about Domestic Child Sex Trafficking (DCST)?

7 DCST Myths and Misconceptions This is not happening in the U.S. Trafficking victims are from other countries. The children involved are promiscuous and like to have sex. Children choose to enter the sex trade.

8 DCST Myths and Misconceptions Only girls are trafficked. People who buy sex with minors or engage in the sale of sex with minors are caught and punished for these crimes. Children make a lot of money in the sex trade. The commercial sex industry can be glamorous.

9 DCST Myths and Misconceptions Trafficking involves some sort of movement (travel or transportation across state or country boarders). Children in the sex trade will self identify as victims. DCST victims always come from urban, poor areas. Child prostitution is a term that appropriately defines issue.

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11 Definitions, Prevalence, and the Legal Landscape of DCST

12 HUMAN TRAFFICKING Includes: Labor trafficking Sex trafficking Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) Removal of organs Illegal international adoption

13 Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) CSEC includes: Prostitution of children Phone sex lines Child pornography Stripping

14 DOMESTIC CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING (DCST) Domestic Child Sex Trafficking is a form of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) IN THE UNITED STATES. DCST is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act where the victim is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident under the age of 18.

15 DOMESTIC CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING (DCST) DCST is not limited to prostitution. There is no requirement to prove that force, fraud, or coercion was used to secure the victim s actions. i.e., these children are VICTIMS not prostitutes and the act of having sex with a minor is abuse/rape.

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17 Prevalence Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world. It is an estimated $32 BILLION dollar a year global industry. Experts suggest there are currently at least 100,000 DCST victims in the United States, with up to 325,000 more at risk for becoming victims.

18 Profiles of Trafficked Children America's Daughters:

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20 Who Are the Victims? Victims of child sexual exploitation can be of any age, ethnicity, race, religion, socio economic class, gender, and sexual orientation. Human trafficking victims have been identified in cities, suburbs, and rural areas in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

21 Country of Origin, Age, Age of Entry 83% of confirmed sex trafficking victims in the U.S. were U.S. citizens (FBI Rpt ). 53% of confirmed human trafficking victims were under 17 (Jan Jun. 2010). 70% of women involved in prostitution were introduced into the commercial sex industry before the age of 18. Average age of entry for girls: years old. Average age of entry for boys: years old

22 DCST Risk Factors Although any child can become a trafficking victim, some forms of vulnerability are a common thread among different trafficking victims. What risk factors, then, can make a child especially vulnerable to DCST?

23 Individual Risk Factors History of relationships or generational violence characterized by intimate partner violence. History of trauma. Low scholastic performance or disconnection from education system.

24 Individual Risk Factors History of being system involved Many victims currently or previously involved in the child welfare system. Stigma and discrimination Particularly a factor for LGBTQ youth because of feelings of rejection and alienation.

25 Individual Risk Factors Family conflict, disruption, dysfunction Dysfunctional home Note: Disruptions in interpersonal relationships may be a potent risk factor for girls. Lack of a strong loving relationship with their father or another adult male Lack of experience with a loving family environment

26 Individual Risk Factors Family conflict, disruption, dysfunction Substance abuse issues by parents or caretakers Death, divorce, or abandonment Family member who is involved in the sex trade 25% of child sex trafficking victims were trafficked by family members.

27 Risk Factors and Resiliency in Focus: System Involved Youth

28 While much more research is needed, current data suggests that the majority of trafficked youth in the United States are child-welfare involved (Anywhere from 55-97%)

29 Statistics In a NY study, 85% of victims reported experience with the dependency system. In 2012 Conn. report, 86 of 88 (97%) child victims of sex trafficking were child welfare involved, most reported abuse while in foster care or residential placement. In 2012, LA County reported that 56 of 72 (77%) commercially sexually exploited girls in the Succeed Through Achievement and Resilience (STAR) Court Program were child-welfare involved.

30 Risks Posed by Involvement in the Child Welfare System - cont d Lack of contact with birth parents and family Turbulence stemming from multiple transitions in school, at home, and with peers and caretakers. Impact of institutional care Poverty The same family dynamics and risk factors that put children at higher risk for child welfare involvement also put them at continued risk for trafficking once in the system (e.g., LGBTQ).

31 Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act Requires: title IV-E agencies to develop and implement protocols to: locate children missing from foster care, determine the factors that lead to the child s being absent from foster care and to the extent possible address those factors in subsequent placements, determine the child s experiences while absent from care, including whether the child is a sex trafficking victim.

32 Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act Requirements: By September 29, 2015, title IV-E agencies must demonstrate that they have...developed policies and procedures (including caseworker training) to identify, document, and determine appropriate services for... any child or youth in the placement, care or supervision of the title IV-E agency who is at-risk of becoming a sex trafficking victim or who is a sex trafficking victim...

33 Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act Requires: title IV-E agencies to report immediately (no later than 24 hours) to law enforcement children or youth... who the agency identifies as being a sex trafficking victim. [Must begin by September 29, 2016]

34 Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act Requires: title IV-E agencies to develop and implement protocols to report children or youth... no later than 24 hours after receiving information on missing or abducted children to law enforcement for entry into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. [by September 29, 2016]

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