The Healthcare Response to Child Trafficking/Exploitation: We Can Do Better
Jordan Greenbaum, MD | September 20 | 9:45-10:45 am
Topic: Healthcare | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Children experiencing sex or labor trafficking/exploitation (T/E) are at high risk for adverse health and behavioral health consequences, including sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, work- or violence-related injuries, malnutrition, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and behavioral problems (Kiss et al., 2015; Le et al., 2018; Sprang & Cole, 2018). They may seek healthcare before, during, or after their exploitation but are unlikely to spontaneously disclose their situation to healthcare professionals (HCP) (Lavoie et al., 2019; Varma et al., 2015). HCPs have a vital role to play in preventing, recognizing, and serving children at risk of or experiencing T/E. But to fulfill this role, they need organizational support, knowledge, tools, and skills in working with traumatized children. This presentation outlines 4 tools designed to improve the health sector’s response to T/E. The tools are based on literature review and best practices and involve guidance to practitioners on the recognition and appropriate response to suspected child T/E, as well as guidance and tools for organizations to build effective protocols on child T/E and create conditions that facilitate optimal care of vulnerable children. Three of the tools underwent formal review by outside experts prior to finalization. Participants will be provided with links to all 4 free resources and will begin to evaluate their local healthcare sector’s response to T/E. They will discuss challenges to improve the response and identify potential solutions. These tools can propel local healthcare communities to action that improves the wellbeing of children affected by T/E.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe current barriers to optimal healthcare of children experiencing T/E
· Outline 4 critical resources designed to assist healthcare professionals and administrators in improving the recognition and response to child T/E
· Engage participants in evaluation of their local health sector response and lead a group discussion of barriers and facilitators to systems change