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Inequalities in US Child Protection: The Case of Sex Trafficked Youth

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  • Lisa Werkmeister Rozas

    (School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT 06103, USA)

  • Jason Ostrander

    (Department of Social Work, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA)

  • Megan Feely

    (School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT 06103, USA)

Abstract

This article demonstrates how structural social work theory and critical consciousness development can be used to help facilitate a transition from a deficit model approach to an inequities perspective in a child welfare system that was working to improve the identification of and services for domestic minor sex trafficked youth (DMST). The response of Connecticut’s child welfare system to the issue of DMST is provided as an example of how a child welfare systems could apply an inequities perspective to a population involved in and at risk for exploitation. Structural social work theory helps illustrate how neo-liberalist social structures in the United States perpetuate and maintain social inequity based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status for youth at risk for DMST. Through critical consciousness development, youth can be recognized as victims of intersecting forms of oppression, rather than criminals. These theories can be combined to increase individual awareness of the risks and oppression of youth across the population, and to identify how child welfare services can be leveraged to decrease inequities and improve child well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa Werkmeister Rozas & Jason Ostrander & Megan Feely, 2018. "Inequalities in US Child Protection: The Case of Sex Trafficked Youth," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 7(8), pages 1-14, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:7:y:2018:i:8:p:135-:d:163436
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fong, Rowena & Berger Cardoso, Jodi, 2010. "Child human trafficking victims: Challenges for the child welfare system," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 311-316, August.
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