Motivational Interviewing Training for Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth Service Providers

The commercial sexual exploitation of youth (CSEY) is a critical public health crisis, with survivors often experiencing profound trauma, distrust of formal support systems, and ambivalence toward care. Given these challenges, professionals working with CSEY require specialized training to engage and support survivors effectively. This study aimed to develop, pilot, and evaluate a Motivational Interviewing (MI) training program tailored for professionals assisting CSEY. The goals of this study were to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the MI-CSEY training in enhancing professional knowledge, attitudes, and skills in using MI techniques. The objectives included: (1) developing an MI training program specific to professionals working with CSEY, (2) piloting the program across seven geographical sites in Texas, and (3) evaluating its feasibility and impact on participant knowledge and self-efficacy. The MI-CSEY training was developed using formative evaluation methods, including focus groups with 11 service providers. A structured 14-hour training was implemented for 325 professionals, with knowledge and self-efficacy assessed using pre- and post-training surveys (MIKAT and MISSA). Results indicated that 75% of participants completed at least 80% of the training, with statistically significant improvements in MI knowledge (<i>p</i> = .026) and self-efficacy (<i>p</i> < .001). Participants reported high satisfaction, reinforcing the program's feasibility and potential for broader application. Future research should explore the long-term impact of MI-CSEY training on professional practice and survivor outcomes. Additionally, developing a fully remote training option would enhance accessibility, ensuring more professionals nationwide receive the skills needed to support this vulnerable population.