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Child Labor and Sex Trafficking.
1International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, Alexandria, VA.
Pediatrics in Review
|December 1, 2021
Summary
Pediatricians often encounter trafficked youth but lack training. This article provides practical, trauma-informed strategies for recognizing and assisting exploited children, improving patient care and safety planning.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Social Work
Background:
- Pediatricians frequently encounter children affected by sex or labor trafficking.
- Many healthcare professionals lack adequate training in identifying and responding to human trafficking.
- Trafficked children present with complex health issues and trauma, rarely disclosing their situation spontaneously.
Purpose of the Study:
- To equip pediatricians with practical skills for identifying and assisting trafficked and exploited children.
- To emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care in interactions with vulnerable youth.
- To provide guidance on building trust and engaging patients in safety planning.
Main Methods:
- Review of human trafficking overview.
- Extensive discussion of rights-based, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed strategies.
- Focus on practical aspects of patient interaction and care planning.
Main Results:
- A significant percentage of healthcare professionals have cared for trafficked individuals without prior identification.
- Training often lacks specific, practical guidance on trauma-informed approaches.
- Effective strategies are crucial for recognizing and responding to exploitation.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians require enhanced training and practical tools to address human trafficking.
- Trauma-informed, patient-centered approaches are essential for supporting exploited children.
- Improving identification and response can enhance the safety and well-being of vulnerable youth.