Date of Award
Fall 12-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department/Program
Forensic Mental Health Counseling
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Elizabeth Jeglic
Second Reader
Sharron Spriggs
Third Advisor
Ann Marie Kavanagh
Abstract
Sex trafficking is a global crime and human rights issue that benefits abusers at the detriment of vulnerable groups, including children involved in the United States welfare system. This meta-synthesis explored the risk factors present within the United States foster care system that expose children to potential victimization. Using qualitative research, the purpose of this study was to review sex trafficking exploitation and analyze the current policies creating this vulnerability in the nation’s child welfare services. Upon completing a systematic literature search, nine studies were included by meeting the following criteria: qualitative or quantitative research studies published in English any time after 2011 with a focus on the vulnerabilities of the United States foster care system and a domestic focus on sex trafficking exploitation. Risk factors found in this review include running away behavior, childhood maltreatment, lack of supervision and guidance, psychological and behavioral problems, and survival sex. These risk factors will be discussed further within the foster care system setting to determine how they impact one’s likelihood of being victimized through sex trafficking.
Recommended Citation
Budgell, Shannon M., "Investigating the Relationship Between Foster Care and Sex Trafficking: What Factors Are Maintaining the Cycle of Abuse" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/302