Keywords
Human Trafficking, Foster Care Sytem, Child Welfare System, Abuse, Online Trafficking
Abstract
Human trafficking is defined as involving “force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act” (U.S. Department of Homeland Security). It disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly children within the U.S. welfare system. This research aims to analyze the characteristics of this system that produce vulnerabilities in welfare children that heighten their risk of being trafficked. The study focuses on socio-economic, psychological, and environmental vulnerabilities, examining how these factors, combined with increased internet accessibility, exacerbate the risks of trafficking. Using a qualitative approach, the research uses secondary data from peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, and reputable databases to identify common vulnerabilities among welfare children since 2010. The data analysis correlates these vulnerabilities with instances of trafficking, aiming to uncover significant patterns and trends. This comprehensive analysis seeks to fill existing research gaps by providing an understanding of the interplay between various risk factors perpetuated by the U.S. welfare system and trafficking susceptibility and occurrences over the past 14 years. The study's findings will inform policy development and intervention strategies aimed at mitigating trafficking risks and safeguarding vulnerable children within the welfare system. By identifying critical intervention points and proposing effective strategies, this research contributes to advancing knowledge and practices in child welfare and anti-trafficking efforts, ultimately protecting children from exploitation and abuse. The expected outcome is to reveal the most prevalent vulnerabilities that predispose welfare children to trafficking and provide practical recommendations for policymakers, child welfare agencies, and anti-trafficking organizations.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Hamann, Kerstin
College
College of Sciences
Department
School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs
Thesis Discipline
Political Science
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Valdivieso, Mateo, "Lost Innocence" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 263.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/263
Included in
Criminal Law Commons, Human Rights Law Commons, Juvenile Law Commons, Public Interest Commons, Public Law and Legal Theory Commons
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