Juvenile Court Practitioners’ Construction of and Response to Sex Trafficking of Justice System Involved Girls

ABSTRACT

The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a growing domestic health and policy concern. Exploited girls may be at heightened risk for entering the juvenile justice system. The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of CSEC victims and resources available for system-involved girls. The data from this study included semistructured interviews, case discussions, and residential placement meeting observations with juvenile justice personnel. Findings revealed labeling issues related to (1) how court workers construct female victims of CSEC through exploitation myths, (2) the importance of trauma history and relational contexts, and (3) system-level barriers. Recommendations for practice are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC)
• gender
• juvenile justice
• qualitative
• trafficking

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Matthew Aalsma for his thoughtful feedback on an earlier version of this article.