“Throw Dat Hat!”: Educational Experiences, Attainment, and Aspirations of Adolescent Female Trafficking Survivors in a Residential Facility
Kimberly Hogan, PhD, LMSW, MA; Sunny Wells, PhD; Gretchen S. Goode, EdD; Rebecca R. Lavigne, EdD & Tommie Killen | September 20 | 3:15-4:15 pm
Topic: Research, Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Little research exists on previous educational attainment, present educational status, and future educational aspirations of adolescent survivors of sex trafficking. Even though education is highlighted as a “factor needed for success” for survivors, there is a paucity of information. Twelve current residents were included in this study; data came from intake surveys on past education, current educational achievement data, and interviews on current and future educational aspirations. Research questions included: 1) What were their past educational experiences? 2) What are their educational needs? 3) What are their small and big goals? and 4) What is their vision of success? The findings focus on the risk factors, current educational successes and challenges, and tensions in their future goal setting. Upon intake, most residents had multiple educational risk factors, and several residents also exhibited disruptive behaviors in their schooling history. Implications for practice include a need for targeted remedial education and individualized learning plans to help these adolescents catch up academically. Moreover, the presence of disruptive behaviors highlights the necessity of incorporating behavioral and psychological support within educational programs. Trauma-informed educational practices and mental health services could be essential components in helping these students engage positively with their education. By amplifying the voices and experiences of these residents, social workers, educators, and researchers need to prioritize the transformative power of educational attainment and aspirations in future studies of adolescent trafficking survivors and in developing successful residential programs.
Presentation Objectives:
• Provide an overview of the study, including main questions, methodology, and findings
• Identify educational risk factors, successes, and challenges survivors face
• Understand the importance of prioritizing educational attainment and aspirations in survivors’ recovery
• Describe the implications and recommendations based on the research for residential care settings