Addressing the Biopsychosocial Needs of Sex-Trafficked Youth

Date:
Sep 30, 2021 from 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. (ET)

In recent years, the issue of human trafficking has been increasingly recognized as a public health and human rights priority. Federal and state legislation has established that sex trafficked individuals are considered victims of crime and warrant specialized support services. While it is well known that the health needs of sex trafficked youth are complex and can range from urgent intervention to long-term management of physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, untreated medical conditions, and mental health co-morbidities, limited healthcare provider training and confidence remains a significant barrier to care provision. This virtual symposium organized by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) represents an interdisciplinary collaboration of healthcare providers (specializing in child abuse pediatrics, adolescent medicine, and mental health), justice system personnel (including lawyers and a victim services specialist), and a survivor to explore how to best address the needs of sex trafficked youth across a range of domains.

Special acknowledgement to the co-sponsoring departments including CLIME (Center for Leadership and Innovation in Medical Education), Safe Place: The Center for Child Protection and Health, Division of Adolescent Medicine and LEAH Program, and Community Pediatrics & Advocacy Program.