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In the Best Interests of the Child Integrating Trafficked Children in the United States

Integration into a new setting: how do children integrate following their trafficking experience and what can we learn from work with other populations regarding integration? 11 th October 2012. In the Best Interests of the Child Integrating Trafficked Children in the United States

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In the Best Interests of the Child Integrating Trafficked Children in the United States

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  1. Integration into a new setting: how do children integrate following their trafficking experience and what can we learn from work with other populations regarding integration?11th October 2012

  2. In the Best Interests of the Child Integrating Trafficked Children in the United States Presentation by Elzbieta M. Gozdziak, Ph.D. ISIM, Georgetown University.

  3. Definitions

  4. Child...Childhood • ...Every human being below the age of 18 (UN Convention on the Rights of the Child). • Chronological age as a measure of biological and psychological maturity. • Rejects cultural and social meanings.

  5. Child Trafficking • ...the recruitment, transportation , transfer, harbouring or receipt of any person under the age of 18 for the purposes of sexual or labour exploitation, forced labour or salvery.

  6. The Study • Small cohort: • 141 children trafficked between 2000 and 2006. • Lofty Goals • Expand knowledge base of the special needs of trafficked children. • Recommendations aimed at the 3 Ps • Numerous challenges and dilemmas • Support • National Institute of Justice (NIJ)

  7. The Cohort • Age range: 2-17 years of age when trafficked. • 83% between 14-17 years old when trafficked. • Unaccompanied children: mean age of 16. • Accompanied: mean age of 13. • Majority were girls (83%) • 70% trafficked for sexual exploitation or a combination of sexual and labour exploitation. • 24% solely for labour, including domestic servitude. • Diverse group.

  8. Integration Services • Federally funded. • Based on the principle of the best interest of the child. • Determined by service providers. • “Children’s” voices and perspectives are not consulted. • Focus on vulnerability and trauma. • Inability to exercise agency. • Fosters dependancy.

  9. Case Examples • Evelyn Chumbow, a success story. • “Analis” • “Donna” • “Angie”

  10. Recommendations • There is a need to consult youth’s voices, experiences, and perspectives to inform and shape both integration policy and programming. • There is a need to be flexible in service provision. • There is a need to study long-term outcomes of integration.

  11. If you have any questions or would like to find out more about this research please contact Elzbieta M. Gozdziak: emg27@georgetown.edu

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