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Original Publication Date
2026
Document Type
Video
Abstract
This presentation examines the systemic vulnerabilities that transition foster youth into domestic sex trafficking, specifically through the "pipeline" of survival sex. Upon aging out of care at 18, many youth face an immediate lack of housing, employment, and social support, forcing the exchange of commercial sex for basic survival needs.
Key barriers include housing instability, the strongest predictor of trafficking, alongside frequent placement changes and compounded marginalization. The presenter highlights that domestic trafficking is often an "invisible" crime driven by coercion from known associates rather than physical abduction. To mitigate these risks, the session advocates for protective factors such as stable relationships with supportive adults, legislative protections (e.g., the 2014 Strengthening Families Act), and expanded state services. The presentation concludes by emphasizing the need for trauma-informed, culturally responsive counseling and increased advocacy to bridge the gap between foster care and independent adulthood.
Keywords
Foster care, Domestic sex trafficking, Housing instability, Trauma-informed care
Rights
Copyright © 2026 Elizabeth Kurt. All rights reserved.
Comments
Presented in the Understanding the Drivers of Chronic Health and Behavioral Conditions in Adolescence session