Masters Thesis

Risk Factors and Recruitment Methods that Contribute to the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

This research seeks to identify the specific risk factors and recruitment methods that pertain to the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Tulare County. This study employs the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The researcher partnered with Tulare County Child Welfare Services (CWS) and Family Services’ Freedom House in order to identify youth who had been identified as victims of or at risk for commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). Youth between the ages of 12 and 21 years old were considered. Parent or legal guardian consent, as well as participant consent, was obtained. A total of 33 youth participated in the quantitative portion of the research and three in the qualitative portion. Survey responses were compiled and statistically analyzed to find significance, while the in-person interviews were transcribed and analyzed to find themes. Specific risk factors for Tulare County youth were identified as follows: substance use, juvenile delinquency, running away, trading sex, friends in a gang, domestic violence, abuse, foster care placement, female sex, under 15 years old, and mental illness. Additionally, recruitment occurred either by family members or friends. This research provides an important picture of what makes youth living in Tulare County, and more broadly, the Central Valley, more vulnerable to CSE and provides some suggestions for areas where local agencies can focus preventative, protective, and supportive measures to combat CSEC.

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