Abstract
Treatment programs are needed to address the complex needs of adolescent sex trafficking survivors, yet challenges exist to engaging adolescents in treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of adolescent clients and clinicians regarding perceived barriers and facilitators of treatment engagement. Interviews were conducted with seven clinical staff members (including six with Master of Social Work degrees) and six clients who experienced sex trafficking and received treatment during adolescence. Consensual Qualitative Research methods were utilized to analyze interview data. Results indicated that similarities and differences exist between the perspectives of clients and clinicians regarding the barriers and facilitators of treatment.
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Data Availability
The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to protection of participants, but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge Ascent 121 and the Office for Victims of Crime for their support of this research.
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The research leading to these results received funding from the Office for Victims of Crime, Award # 2019-VT-BX-0074.
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Author order was determined by extent of contributions to the research. The first three authors (R. Feldwisch, C. Jansing, and I. Betancourt) designed the research study, wrote segments of the literature review, submitted the IRB proposal(s), collected and analyzed data, wrote results, and prepared substantial sections of the final manuscript. The next three authors (A. Waghray, K. Horne, and C. Sanders) updated segments of the literature review, collected and analyzed data, wrote results, and reviewed manuscripts. The last author (M. Jessup) was involved with the initial design of the research study, piloted the questionnaires, assisted with recruitment, and reviewed manuscripts.
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Feldwisch, R.P., Jansing, C., Betancourt, I. et al. Barriers and Facilitators of Treatment Engagement: Perspectives Shared by Survivors of Adolescent Sex Trafficking and Experienced Clinicians. Clin Soc Work J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-024-00929-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-024-00929-y