Human Trafficking Diversion Courts for Minors: Mid-Assessment Updates and Insights

• In Event: New Frontiers in Juvenile Justice: Exploring Contemporary Issues

Abstract

Human Trafficking Diversion Courts (HTDCs) are used across the country to serve minor victims, following in the footsteps of other problem-solving courts. This genre focuses on adults and minors engaging in commercial sex but varies in terms of eligibility, definitions of success, etc. The focus of this exploratory research is to identify HTDCs serving minors, assess eligibility criteria and benchmarks for court implementation, and develop a court model that can be applied in future outcome evaluations. The project uses a mixed methods approach, engaging court staff and stakeholders in surveys, interviews, focus group, and site visits. Preliminary results show these courts serve a diverse population of youth, including delinquent youth, dependent youth, and crossover youth. This participatory presentation will offer quantitative and qualitative results from Phase I of this research as well as preliminary findings from Phase II. This research is being supported by the U.S. Office for Victims of Crime.  

Author

• Wendy Stickle, University of Maryland / U.S. Office for Victim of Crimes