Understanding the Trafficking of Children for the Purpose of Labor in the United States

The proposed multi-method project seeks to answer three questions to enhance the understanding of child labor trafficking in the US.

1) What is the nature of child labor trafficking in the US and how is it distinct from other forms of labor abuse involving children?
2) Who are the perpetrators of child trafficking crimes (e.g., individuals, organized syndicates, families, etc.) and how do they operate?
3) How are cases of labor trafficking involving minors being identified and what are the challenges facing child-serving agencies, including child protection and law enforcement, in identifying and responding to these cases?

Data will be collected in four US sites where multiple child labor trafficking cases have been identified. The research team will sample client records from providers who serve child labor trafficking victims in each site. Information will be coded from these records to identify demographic information about child labor trafficking victims, information about recruitment, exploitation, and perpetrators. The applicant will interview law enforcement and child services stakeholders in each of the sites to gain a better understanding from them about challenges in identifying this population.

The applicant will analyze and identify differences between US citizen and foreign national child labor trafficking victims. Interviews with victim service and legal providers will supplement the information in the case records regarding child labor trafficking victimization. Additionally, the interviews will assist in gaining a broader picture of the nature of child labor trafficking victimization and the experiences of victims in the local area.

Finally, working with providers in each of the four study sites, the applicant will interview survivors who will provide insights into the key service needs of this population, how this population may come into contact with child welfare agencies and justice systems, and the degree to which existing services can assist these child victims.

"Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14). CA/NCF.