Discerning Generational Shifts in Child and Adolescent Susceptibility to Sex Trafficking: A Prevention Model
Krystal Humphreys, PhD, LPC-S | September 20 | 9:45-10:45 am
Topic: Programming, Research | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Sex trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world (Rescue Her, 2022). Children and adolescents make up a large portion of victims in the United States. Generational changes between Millennials and Generation Z have contributed to the susceptibility of children and adolescents (Humphreys, 2017). This presentation is based on original research conducted with school counselors on the generational changes that have been observed between Millennials and Generation Z. The purpose of this study was to investigate school counselor knowledge of sex trafficking; observe the experience of generational changes between millennials and Gen Z; and to determine school counselor perception of how these changes are related to sex trafficking susceptibility. This qualitative research study gathered data from 11 clinical mental health and certified school counselors who currently work in schools. These counselors were based in 5 different school districts, within a Southwest region of the United States. Grounded theory was used as a constant comparative method, which resulted in the development of prevention categories. This research identified 7 categories of generational changes that have increased child and adolescent susceptibility to sex trafficking. A prevention model was developed based on the 7 categories of child and adolescent susceptibility to sex trafficking. The prevention model includes implications for practice for both clinical mental health and school based mental health settings.
Presentation Objectives:
· Present the purpose, methodology, and findings of this research study
· Describe the 7 categories of child and adolescent susceptibility to sex trafficking using the axial coding diagram developed from the findings
· Discuss implications for practice and provide possible interventions to address sex trafficking susceptibility
· Use evidence-based practices and experiential activities to give each participant tools to take with them and use in their practice.