The Foster Care System: A Segue to Sex Trafficking
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Date
2024-07-01
Authors
Mackey, Blu
Todahl, Jeff
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Sex trafficking is a prevalent and persistent human rights, social justice, and economics issue. Fueled by a multi-million-dollar industry, this complex global epidemic is compounded by poorly resourced government and private sector response systems. The United States foster care system in particular serves youth at risk for sex trafficking and is well-positioned to provide trauma-informed services that support youth and act as a buffer for harm. However, given overall poor systems alignment and inadequate access to trauma-informed therapy and healthcare services, U.S. foster youth—who are disproportionately lower income and of historically excluded ethnicities—are particularly vulnerable to trafficking. As a result, advocacy groups have urged government officials to use their power for positive reform through the construction of systems and equitable foster care practices that account for race, ethnicity, and social class. This systematic literature review explores the evolution of sex trafficking in the United States between the years 2000 and 2023, examines systems response, and investigates a more effective approach to foster care and systematic reform in response to the prevalence of sex trafficking.
Description
Blu Mackey is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with minors in Business Administration and Product Design. Bluʼs research project titled “The Foster Care System: A Segue to Sex Trafficking” was mentored by Dr. Jeff Todahl from the Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services. Blu plans to attend University of the Arts London: London College of Fashion for a graduate degree in Fashion Psychology in Fall 2025.
Dr. Jeff Todahl is an Associate Professor and the director for the Couples and Family Therapy Program (Counseling Psychology and Human Services Department) and co-Director and Director of Research of the Center for the Prevention of Abuse and Neglect. He has served as Director of the UniversityĘĽs Center for Family Therapy, as Director of the Couples and Family Therapy Graduate Program, and as CPHS Interim Department Head.