Human Trafficking and Exploitation of Children and Adolescents: Policy Statement

Trafficking of children and adolescents for labor and sexual exploitation is associated with significant adverse physical and mental health implications. Pediatricians and other health care professionals may encounter affected patients who present with infections, injuries, posttraumatic stress disorder, suicidality, or a variety of other health and mental health conditions. The health sector response requires a public health approach based on scientific research using an equity and social justice lens, community participatory strategies, and rigorous study designs, including implementation science, which build a solid evidence base. It should include training for pediatric clinicians (eg, pediatricians, other physicians, and nonphysician clinicians treating children and adolescents) to recognize possible signs of exploitation and to intervene using a culturally responsive, community-centered, sensitive, trauma-informed, rights-based, and patient-centered approach. The health sector response should include a multidisciplinary approach to the provision of service, with clinicians working with a diverse group of professionals in the community to assist children and adolescents at risk for trafficking and exploitation. Advocacy is needed for legislation and policies that promote child rights and victim/survivor services for all children and adolescents, regardless of immigration status. The health sector should support policies that address the social drivers of health, which influence the vulnerability to human trafficking. This policy statement outlines major issues regarding public policy, medical education, research, and collaboration in the area of child labor and sex trafficking/exploitation and provides recommendations for future work.