What the Pandemic Revealed About Exploited Youth

In this episode of One in Ten, host Teresa Huizar talks with Dr. Matt Kafafian from George Washington University about his research on how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the nature of the characteristics of exploited youth served by a Children’s Advocacy Center. Dr. Kafafian discusses significant findings from studies examining post-pandemic changes in the identification and referral of commercially sexually exploited children and youth. They explore how shifts to online environments and evolving police and social service practices have impacted the demographics and types of exploitation cases being reported. Key points include the new challenges facing child abuse professionals, changes in risk factors, and the implications for screening tools designed to identify vulnerable youth. Dr. Kafafian also discusses emerging trends related to gender differences and mental health issues among exploited youth, highlighting the need for updated tools and approaches in the field. 

 

Time Stamps 

 

Time Topic 

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 

00:17 Guest Introduction: Dr. Matt Kavian 

00:48 Impact of the Pandemic on Youth Exploitation 

04:29 Pre-Pandemic Vulnerabilities and Risk Factors 

06:53 Changes in Youth Exploitation During the Pandemic 

08:39 Study Findings and Hypotheses 

24:20 Implications for Child Abuse Professionals 

26:35 Future Research Directions 

29:17 Acknowledgments and Conclusion 

Resources

Changing Profiles of Youth Referred for Commercial Sexual Exploitation before and since the Onset of COVID-19 in the United States - Matthew Kafafian, Ieke de Vries, Amy Farrell, Christen Asiedu, Elizabeth Bouchard, 2025

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