Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Domestic Children and Youth in the United States

Using OJJDP funds, the National Research Council of the National Academy of Science (NAS) will examine the commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of children in the United States through the commission of a committee of experts who will perform a literature search, host workshops, and conduct site visits in order to draw conclusions about the scope and severity of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and sex trafficking of children in the United States. The committee will examine the role of the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, human services, health care, and law enforcement in determining the causes and consequences of CSEC and sex trafficking, as well as efforts to prevent CSEC and sex trafficking and to intervene with victims and offenders. The committee will examine lessons from international, national, state, and local advocacy efforts that contribute to successful intervention and prevention strategies and the adequacy of current state and federal laws for addressing the CSEC and sex trafficking of domestic minors.

Upon conclusion of the study, the NAS will recommend strategies to respond to CSEC and sex trafficking of domestic minors, relevant and necessary legislative approaches, and a research agenda to guide future studies in this field. The NAS will prepare a final report that summarizes the research review and offer findings, conclusions, and recommendations. (NCF/NCA)