As I have been researching the challenges that states have encountered in implementing CSEC legislation, I have identified one key area of focus: the lack of resources to invest in treatment and placement options for the CSEC population. Part of this challenge stems from the fact that there is a limited evidence-base for programs specifically designed for the CSEC population. While research has clearly shown that mental health treatment, specifically trauma-informed care, is a crucial component of child trafficking victim treatment programs, there is much less research on what type of placement or environment this care should be provided in.
Like many states, for many years Kentucky has been dependent primarily on out of home placement options for children in child welfare or juvenile justice custody. Few community-based service providers exist in many parts of the state, particularly those that can provide tailored treatment to child trafficking victims. However, the landscape of behavioral health services in Kentucky is changing. Through numerous policy changes, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has expanded access to community-based services throughout the state, and created new incentives for providers to provide quality, evidence-based treatment for adolescents. Though this work is not specifically related to child trafficking issues, the hope is that this service expansion will create more treatment options for the CSEC population.
In Kentucky, service providers that work with trafficking victims have identified the need for a continuum of services and placement options for CSEC victims. These options range from trafficking victim-specific shelters that could provide emergency shelter, to long-term supportive independent living for CSEC victims who may be aging out of foster care. These programs have not been extensively researched, but examining which ones may be most appropriate for the Kentucky's CSEC population will be the primary focus of my work for the remainder of this summer project.
Like many states, for many years Kentucky has been dependent primarily on out of home placement options for children in child welfare or juvenile justice custody. Few community-based service providers exist in many parts of the state, particularly those that can provide tailored treatment to child trafficking victims. However, the landscape of behavioral health services in Kentucky is changing. Through numerous policy changes, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has expanded access to community-based services throughout the state, and created new incentives for providers to provide quality, evidence-based treatment for adolescents. Though this work is not specifically related to child trafficking issues, the hope is that this service expansion will create more treatment options for the CSEC population.
In Kentucky, service providers that work with trafficking victims have identified the need for a continuum of services and placement options for CSEC victims. These options range from trafficking victim-specific shelters that could provide emergency shelter, to long-term supportive independent living for CSEC victims who may be aging out of foster care. These programs have not been extensively researched, but examining which ones may be most appropriate for the Kentucky's CSEC population will be the primary focus of my work for the remainder of this summer project.
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