Comprehensive Care for Sexually Exploited Youth: A Case Report.

Abstract

Introduction: This case report describes a model for identification and response to adolescents at risk for human trafficking/sexual exploitation in an emergency department setting. The Short Screen for Child Sex Trafficking is used, and then identified high-risk individuals are provided a forensic nurse examiner (FNE) assessment.

Case presentation: The patient presented to an emergency department three times for mental health care and was screened using the Short Screen for Child Sex Trafficking, which showed significant human trafficking/sexual exploitation risk. This triggered FNE interventions that led to disclosure of exploitation, connection to resources, and progress in the patient's understanding and ability to seek support. While the patient's substance dependency and mental health concerns persisted, highlighting gaps, systematic screening paired with trauma-informed, patient-directed FNE response facilitated meaningful intervention without requiring self-identification or relying on provider recognition.

Conclusions: This is a replicable model for health care settings seeking to improve identification and support of at-risk youth.