Challenges for the child welfare system

Since the passing of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in 2000 and its reauthorization by President George Bush in 2008, federal, state and community efforts in identifying and providing services for victims of human trafficking have significantly improved. However, most of the research and resources for trafficking victims have been directed towards adults rather than children.

Researchers agree that there is a growing number of sexually exploited and trafficked children in the United States yet few programs emphasize the unique experiences and special needs of this population. This article examines commercial sexual exploitation of children; differentiates the needs and problems between child prostitution and victims of human trafficking; reviews and critiques current treatment practices; and summarizes challenges and successes in working with child victims of human trafficking, offering practice and policy recommendations.

Type
Journal Article


Author
Rowena Fong


Author
Jodi Berger Cardoso


Publication
Evaluation and Program Planning


Date
07/2009


Journal Abbr
Evaluation and Program Planning


DOI
10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2009.06.018


ISSN
01497189


URL
http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0149718909000640


Extra
Child victims of human trafficking; Human trafficking victims and child welfare