Refuge or Danger? The truth about the link between foster care and child trafficking

This blog was originally published at StreetGrace.org.

Street Grace partnered with researchers at Auburn University to develop a better understanding of the links between foster care and the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). The resulting manuscript, entitled, “Examining the Intersections of Family Risk, Foster Care, and Outcomes for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children,” was published in the peer-reviewed journal, Social Sciences, on December 5, 2024.

In 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) reports from the United States Department of State declared a history in the foster care system is the primary risk factor for CSEC.1-4 Though the link between foster care and sexual exploitation is widely accepted, it is unclear if foster care itself creates vulnerability or if vulnerability is established within the individual’s family of origin (via neglect, abuse, etc.), and foster care, in fact, decreases likelihood of victimization.5-9 To that end, researchers investigated the links between family risks, foster care, and outcomes for 884 confirmed victims of CSEC.

Table. Sample demographics.

On average, youth were 14 years old when exploitation began, with ages ranging from 3 to 19 years. The exploitation lasted an average of eight months and eight days, with durations varying from less than a day to 10 years. Victims reported that their exploiters were friends (32%), romantic partners (24%), individuals they met online (13%), strangers (13%), parents (7%), other family members (5%), or a parent's romantic partner (5%). Additionally, 26% of the victims were exploited online. These victims were identified in half of the 159 counties in Georgia.

“87% of victims of commercial sexual exploitation have experienced significant trauma.”

According to the findings, the majority (87%) of CSEC victims experienced significant trauma. Over half (53%) report a history of physical abuse, 66% have faced sexual abuse, and 64% have endured emotional abuse. Nearly half (46.29%) have experienced both physical and sexual abuse, with the average age of first abuse being 10 years old. Although two-thirds report physical and/or sexual abuse, only 1.5% experienced sexual abuse and 3.1% experienced physical abuse in foster care. Perpetrators of sexual abuse are often friends (24.5%), strangers (16.8%), a parent's romantic partner (13.5%), biological parents (10.6%), cousins (8.4%), biological siblings (4.6%), biological aunts or uncles (4.4%), romantic partners (3.3%), neighbors (3.1%), or exploiters (2.9%). Perpetrators of physical abuse are primarily biological parents (48.3%), a parent's romantic partner (10.7%), romantic partners (10.7%), exploiters (5.7%), biological aunts or uncles (5.2%), biological grandparents (4.4%), strangers (3.7%), or friends (3.1%).

“65% have been placed in foster care, with an average of 3.47 placements.”

A significant majority (89%) have a history of running away, and two-thirds (68%) have abused drugs or alcohol. Over half (58%) report sleep difficulties. In 54% of cases, victims have a history of self-harm, and 55% have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts.

More than half (54%) have witnessed domestic violence at home. Two-thirds have at least one parent with a criminal history. Additionally, 35% have caregivers whose substance use interferes with their ability to provide care, and 28% were exposed to drugs or alcohol. Approximately 65% have been placed in foster care, with an average of 3.47 placements.

Key Findings

1. Family Risk Factors and Negative Outcomes: The study found a significant association between family risk factors and negative outcomes for CSEC victims. Children who experienced higher levels of family risk, such as neglect and abuse, were more likely to face adverse outcomes, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and continued victimization.

2. Foster Care Engagement: Contrary to what might be expected, the study revealed that foster care engagement did not moderate the relationship between family risk factors and negative outcomes. This finding suggests that being placed in foster care does not affect the the outcomes from the risks associated with a child's family of origin, positively or negatively.

3. Number of Foster Care Placements: Similarly, frequent changes in foster care placements did not affect the link between family risk factors and negative outcomes, positively or negatively.

The new study underscores the critical need for a more nuanced approach to supporting CSEC victims within the foster care system. The lack of any effect of foster care engagement indicates that the current foster care system may not be adequately equipped to address the unique needs of CSEC victims.

“Surprisingly, foster care placement does not protect against—nor increase risk due to—risk factors associated with family of origin on outcomes for commercially sexually exploited children.”

To better support these children, implementation of specialized, trauma-informed services, like Street Grace’s direct services program, within the foster care system is critical. These services should address the specific trauma and challenges faced by CSEC victims, including unique supports for mental health, substance abuse, and missing and disconnected youth (i.e., runaways).

By recognizing the vulnerabilities and needs of these children, policymakers and practitioners can develop more effective interventions that address the immediate risks and promote long-term well-being and recovery. Implementing these changes will position the foster care system to become a more protective and supportive environment, helping these children to heal and thrive despite their challenging circumstances.

References

Furlong, C., & Hinnant, J. B. (2024). Examining the intersections of family risk, foster care, and outcomes for commercially sexually exploited children. Social Sciences, 13(12), 660. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13120660

1. United States Department of State. (2019). 2019 trafficking in persons report. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2019-Trafficking-in-Persons-Report.pdf

2. United States Department of State. (2020). 2020 trafficking in persons report. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2020-TIP-Report-Complete-062420-FINAL.pdf

3. United States Department of State. (2021). 2021 trafficking in persons report. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/TIPR-GPA-upload-07222021.pdf

4. United States Department of State. (2022). 2022 trafficking in persons report. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20221020-2022-TIP-Report.pdf

5. Romero, J., Vafa, Jr., Y, & Frundt, T. (2019). The disturbing connection between foster care and domestic child trafficking [Video]. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. https://youtu.be/WrUYZUqLpQs

6. Farley, M., Cotton, A., Lynne, J., Zumbeck, S., Spiwak, F., Reyes, M.E., Alvarez, D., & Sezgin, U. (2004). Prostitution and trafficking in nine countries. Journal of Trauma Practice, 2(3–4), 33–74. https://doi.org/10.1300/J189v02n03_03

7. Farley, M., & Kelly, V. (2000). Prostitution: A critical review of the medical and social sciences literature. Women & Criminal Justice, 11(4), 29–64. https://doi.org/10.1300/ J012v11n04_04

8. Fedina, L., Williamson, C., & Perdue, T. (2019). Risk factors for domestic child sex trafficking in the United States. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(13), 2653-2673. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260516662306

9. Silbert, M. H., & Pines, A. M. (1981). Sexual child abuse as an antecedent to prostitution. Child Abuse & Neglect, 5(4), 407-411. https://doi.org/10.1016/0145-2134(81)90050-8