Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

A Descriptive Study on Sexually Exploited Children in Residential Treatment

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Child & Youth Care Forum Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Sexual exploitation and prostitution of children and adolescents is a multibillion dollar industry in the United States (Estes and Weiner in Medical, legal & social science aspects of child sexual exploitation: A comprehensive review of pornography, prostitution, and internet crimes, vol I, G.W. Medical Publishing, Inc, St Louis, 2005; Milloy in Essence 33(5):429–436, 2002). It is estimated that 293,000 youth are at-risk of being commercially sexual exploited (Estes and Weiner in The commercial sexual exploitation of children in the U. S., Canada and Mexico, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 2001). Courtrooms in major cities around the country are reporting an increase of juveniles who are prostituted and of the individuals who prostitute them. Issues such as negative family dynamics, poor parenting skills, lower intellectual functioning, poor school success, inadequate social skills, and abuse and neglect are risk factors associated with juvenile prostitutes. This descriptive study focused on a unique group home treatment program in a large southern city for adolescent females with a history of juvenile prostitution. The authors found that the participants had low IQ scores and multiple mental health disorders. Implications for intervention and treatment are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Altschuler, D. M., & Armstrong, T. L. (2002). Juvenile corrections and continuity of care in a community context—The evidence and promising directions [Electronic version]. Federal Probation, 66(2), 72–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asher, S. R., & Wheeler, V. A. (1985). Children’s loneliness: A comparison of rejected and neglected peer status. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 53, 500–505.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bour, D. S., Young, J. P., & Henningsen, R. (1984). A comparison of delinquent prostitutes and delinquent non-prostitutes on self-concept. Journal of Offender Counseling, 9(1–2), 89–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brannigan, A., & Van Brunschot, E. G. (1997). Youthful prostitution and child sexual trauma [Electronic version]. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 20(3), 337–354.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brier, N. (1989). The relationship between learning disability and delinquency: A review and reappraisal [Electronic version]. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 22(9), 546–553.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Briscoe, R. V., & Doyle, J. P. (1996). Aftercare services in juvenile justice: Approaches for providing services for high-risk youth [Electronic version]. Preventing School Failure, 40(2), 73–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cauffman, E., Feldman, S., Waterman, J., & Steiner, H. (1998). Posttraumatic stress disorder among female juvenile offenders [Electronic version]. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 37(11), 1209–1217.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cernkovich, S. A., Lanctôt, N., & Giordano, P. C. (2008). Predicting adolescent and adult antisocial behavior among adjudicated delinquent females [Electronic version]. Crime & Delinquency, 54(1), 3–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chesney-Lind, M. (2001). What about the girls? Delinquency programming as if gender mattered [Electronic version]. Corrections Today, 63(1), 38–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cottle, C. C., Lee, R. J., & Heilbrun, K. (2001). The predictors of criminal recidivism in juvenile: A meta-analysis [Electronic version]. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 28(3), 367–394.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delligatti, N., Akin-Little, A., & Little, S. G. (2003). Conduct disorder in girls: Diagnostic and intervention issues [Electronic version]. Psychology in Schools, 40(2), 183–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drerup, L. C., Croysdale, A., & Hoffmann, N. G. (2008). Patterns of behavioral health conditions among adolescents in a juvenile justice system [Electronic version]. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 39(2), 122–128.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Earls, C. M., & David, H. (1990). Early family and sexual experiences of male and female prostitutes [Electronic version]. Canada’s Mental Health, 38(4), 7–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elliot, S. N., & Gresham, F. M. (1993). Social skills interventions for children [Special Issue]. Behavior Modification, 1, 287–313.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Estes, R. J., & Weiner, N. A. (2001). The commercial sexual exploitation of children in the U. S., Canada and Mexico. Philadelphia, PA: The University of Pennsylvania.

    Google Scholar 

  • Estes, R. J., & Weiner, N. A. (2005). The commercial sexual exploitation of children in the United States. In S. W. Cooper, R. J. Estes, A. P. Giardino, N. D. Kellogg, & V. I. Vieth (Eds.), Medical, legal & social science aspects of child sexual exploitation: A comprehensive review of pornography, prostitution, and internet crimes, vol I. St Louis, Missouri: G.W. Medical Publishing, Inc.

  • Fall, K. A., & Craig, S. E. (1998). Borderline personality in adolescence: An overview for counselors [Electronic version]. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 20(4), 315–332.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fassett, B., & Walsh, B. (1994). Juvenile prostitution: An overlooked form of child sexual abuse. APSAC Advisor, 7(1), 9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fejes-Mendoza, K., & Miller, D. (1995). Portraits of dysfunction: Criminal, educational, and family profiles of juvenile female offenders [Electronic version]. Education and Treatment of Children, 18(3), 309–322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fergusson, D. M., & Horwood, L. J. (1995). Early disruptive behavior, IQ, and later school achievement and delinquent behavior [Electronic version]. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 23(2), 183–200.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Finkelhor, D., & Ormrod, R. (2004). Prostitution of juveniles: Patterns from NIBRS [Electronic Version]. Juvenile Justice Bulletin. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice- Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Programs.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flowers, R. B. (2001). Runaway kids and teen prostitution: America’s lost abandoned and sexually exploited children. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greene, J. M., Ennett, S. T., & Ringwalt, C. L. (1999). Prevalence and correlates of survival sex among runaway and homeless youth [Electronic version]. American Journal of Public Health, 89(9), 1406–1409.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harrison, P., Maupin, J. R., & Mayes, G. L. (2001). Teen court: An examination of processes and outcomes [Electronic version]. Crime & Delinquency, 47(2), 243–264.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J. D., & Weiss, J. G. (1985). The social development model: An integrated approach to delinquency prevention. Journal of Primary Prevention, 6, 73–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horowitz, K., Weine, S., & Jekel, J. (1995). PTSD symptoms in urban adolescent girls: Compounded community trauma [Electronic version]. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 34(10), 1353–1361.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hoyt, D. R., Ryan, K. D., & Cauce, A. M. (1999). Personal victimization in a high-risk environment: Homeless and runaway adolescents [Electronic version]. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 36(4), 371–392.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, S. L., & Bedford, O. (2004). Juveniles’ motivations for remaining in prostitution [Electronic version]. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 28, 136–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, S. (1998). Girls are in trouble [Electronic version]. Corrections Today, 60(7), 136–141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaufman, J. G., & Widom, C. S. (1999). Childhood victimization, running away, and delinquency [Electronic version]. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 36(4), 347–370.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keith, J. M., & McCray, A. D. (2002). Juvenile offenders with special needs: Critical issues and bleak outcomes [Electronic version]. Qualitative Studies in Education, 15(6), 691–710.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Llyod, R. (2005). Acceptable victims? Sexually exploited youth in the U.S. [Electronic version]. Encounter: Education for Meaning and Justice, 18(3), 6–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melby, T. (2004). Baby steps in studying age-old problem [Electronic version]. Contemporary Sexuality, 38(12), 1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, D., & Tripani, C. (1995). Adolescent female offenders: Unique considerations [Electronic version]. Adolescence, 30(118), 429–436.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Milloy, M. (2002). Girls, interrupted [Electronic version]. Essence, 33(5), 429–436.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norris, M., Twill, S. E., & Kim, C. (2010). Smells like teen spirit: Evaluating a Midwestern teen court. Advance online publication. doi:10.1177/0011128709354037.

  • Orr, D. P., & Downes, M. C. (1985). Self-concept of adolescent sexual abuse victims. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 14, 401–410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pepper, J. V., & Petrie, C. V. (2003). Measurement problems in criminal justice research: Workshop summary. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rhodes, J. E., & Fischer, K. (1993). Spanning the gender gap: Gender differences in delinquency among inner-city adolescents [Electronic version]. Adolescence, 28(112), 879–890.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roth, P. L. (1994). Missing data: A conceptual review for applied psychologists. Personnel Psychology, 47, 537–560.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rutherford, R. B., Mathur, S. R., & Quinn, M. M. (1998). Promoting social communication skills through cooperative learning and direct instruction [Electronic version]. Education and Treatment of Children, 21(3), 354–370.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, E. P., & Redding, R. E. (2004). A review of mood disorders among juvenile offenders [Electronic version]. Psychiatric Services, 55(12), 1397–1407.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Saywitz, K. J., Mannarino, A. P., Berliner, L., & Cohen, J. A. (2000). Treatment for sexually abused children and adolescents [Electronic version]. American Psychologist, 55(9), 1040–1049.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schaeffer, C. M., & Borduin, C. M. (2005). Long-term follow-up to a randomized clinical trial of multisystem therapy with serious and violent juvenile offenders. Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 73(3), 445–453.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schissel, B., & Fedec, K. (1999). The selling of innocence: The gestalt of danger in the lives of youth prostitutes [Electronic version]. Canadian Journal of Criminology, 41(1), 33–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snyder, H. N., & Sickmund, M. (2006). Juvenile offenders and victims: 2006 national report. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sutton, S. E., Cowen, E. L., Crean, H. F., & Wyman, P. A. (1999). Pathways to aggression in young, highly stressed urban children [Electronic version]. Child Study Journal, 29(1), 49–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sweeten, G., Bushway, S. D., & Paternoster, R. (2009). Does dropping out of school mean dropping into delinquency? [Electronic version]. Criminology, 47(1), 47–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tyler, K. A., Hoyt, D. R., & Whitbeck, L. B. (2000). The effects of early sexual abuse on later sexual victimization among female homeless and runaway adolescents [Electronic version]. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 15(3), 235–250.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waldie, K., & Spreen, O. (1993). The relationship between learning disabilities and persisting delinquency [Electronic version]. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 26(6), 417–423.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Widom, C. S., & Khuns, J. B. (1996). Childhood victimization and subsequent risk for promiscuity, prostitution, and teenage pregnancy: A prospective study [Electronic version]. American Journal of Public Health, 86(11), 1607–1613.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Winters, C. (1997). Learning disabilities, crime, delinquency, and special education placement [Electronic version]. Adolescence, 32(126), 451–463.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA

    Sarah E. Twill

  2. Department of Human Services, Social Work, and Rehabilitation, Troy University, 107 McCartha Hall, Troy, AL, 36082, USA

    Denise M. Green

  3. University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    Amy Traylor

Authors
  1. Sarah E. Twill
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Denise M. Green
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Amy Traylor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Denise M. Green.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Twill, S.E., Green, D.M. & Traylor, A. A Descriptive Study on Sexually Exploited Children in Residential Treatment. Child Youth Care Forum 39, 187–199 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-010-9098-2

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-010-9098-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation