Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Among Child Welfare–Involved Youth: An Exploratory Study of Correlates

Author: O'Brien, Jennifer; White, Kevin & Fraga Rizo, Cynthia

Abstract: Our research team used the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II to explore relationships between demographic factors, domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) status, and several psychosocial dependent variables for children and youth in the child welfare system who affirm that they have been paid for sex within the past 6 months. The sample included a total of 814 children and youth, 38 of whom reported DMST victimization. Results revealed that youth with a history of DMST victimization were more likely than their nonexploited peers to report runaway behavior, demonstrate externalizing behaviors, and test in the clinical range for a substance abuse problem. Research and practice implications are discussed.

Keywords: domestic minor sex trafficking, child welfare, victimization, correlates