If You Ask, They Will Tell: Identifying Risk for Human Trafficking Among Homeless Youth

An abstract of a study by Mostajabian et al evaluating the use of a focused screening tool compared with general psycho-social screening to identify trafficking risk factors and experiences in homeless adolescents in a US human trafficking hub. Cross sectional study of a convenience sample of youth (ages 18-21) receiving care at a clinic within a homeless shelter were performed from May to November 2016. Results reveal that a targeted screening method may yield increased identification of labor and sexual exploitation in homeless youth when compared to a non-specific tool. The data suggest that sexual exploitation and abuse in the work setting may be prevalent among at-risk youth, thus emphasizing the need for raising awareness among providers as well as youth.