Youth Experiences Survey (YES) Study on Human Trafficking: Understanding the Challenges Facing Unsheltered Young Adults in Arizona
Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, MSW, PhD & Lexus Wright-Ball | September 19 | 1:45-2:45 pm EDT
Topic: Research | Knowledge Level: Beginner
This presentation explores the human trafficking experiences of young adults in situations of homelessness in Arizona. This research study aims to help develop knowledge about unsheltered young adults in Arizona with a focus-on risks for human trafficking. The study aimed to explore what are their life experiences of trauma including being abused, trafficked, or kicked out by their family and what challenges do unsheltered young adults face regarding substance abuse and mental health challenges. The 2024 study included 227 surveys collected from unsheltered youth participants ages 18-25. The participants were 49.5 percent female, 41.9 percent male, and 5.9 percent transgender. They were 75.8 percent persons of color. Sex trafficking was reported by 30.8 percent of the participants and labor trafficking reported by 14.5 percent. Experiences of childhood maltreatment (sexual, emotional, and physical abuse) were more likely to be reported by the participants reporting a history of sex trafficking. Other issues impacting those reporting sex and labor trafficking included being kicked out, drug use, mental health challenges, and limited education and work experiences. Young adults were found to be at high risk for exploitation. Recommendations include developing unique interventions to connect with unsheltered young adults including drop-in centers, digital outreach/case management, mentoring programs, and treatment for substance use and mental health.
Presentation Objectives:
• Provide an overview of the 2024 YES study including the research questions, methodology, and findings
• Describe the ethical considerations of studying unsheltered young adults
• Describe the implications and recommendations based on the research