Sexually Exploited Youth Traffick

Assessing the Need of Safe Housing for Sexually Exploited and Trafficked Youth A sexually exploited youth in Minnesota, is defined as someone who is under 18 years old (Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force [MNHTTF], 2014). The youth would then have to have either engaged, agreed to engage, or have been forced to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for money, food, clothing, or even a place to stay (MNHTTF, 2014). Sexual exploitation can also be extended to the individuals who have engaged in exotic dancing, pornography or have been filmed engaging in sexual acts, traded sex for drugs, or have been found guilty of engaging in prostitution or prostitution related crimes (MNHTTF, 2014). Under Minnesota law, sex trafficking is defined as the

These values include that those who encounter youth should be trained to identify sexual exploitation, treat youth as victims of sexual exploitation rather than criminals, youth have the right to privacy and self-determination, and victims should not feel afraid or trapped (DPS OJP, 2013). Victim-centered services for youth should be based on trauma-informed care, responsive to the needs of individual youth, services should be offered statewide, and based on positive youth development principles (DPS OJP, 2013). The underlying philosophy of the No Wrong Door Model is that sexual exploitation can be prevented (DPS OJP, 2013).

Research has shown that if a youth runs away from home or are experiencing homelessness, they are at an increased risk for sexual exploitation (MNHTTF, 2014). At-risk or homeless youth are particularly vulnerable to predators who are looking to exploit them (MNHTTF, 2014). This is often due to the youth having a lack of shelter, means to provide for their basic needs, and typically having little financial resources (MNHTTF,

In fact, there is a lack of shelters who specifically serve U.S. citizens who have been trafficked (The Advocates for Human Rights, 2009). At one point, there were roughly 2,500 unaccompanied homeless youth under 22 years old who were homeless on any given night in Minnesota (MNHTTF, 2014). However, Minnesota only had a total of 108 emergency shelter beds and 650 units of transitional and permanent supportive housing that were dedicated to youth (MNHTTF, 2014).

Currently, there are six organizations that provide safe housing services for Minnesota’s sexually exploited youth. These organizations include The LINK in Minneapolis, 180 Degrees or Brittany’s Place in Saint Paul, Tubman in Maplewood, Life House in Duluth, Lutheran Social Services in Brainerd, and Heartland Girl’s Ranch in Benson (Minnesota Department of Health [MDH], n.d.). The only services that are offered in Southeast Minnesota are victim-centered services and regional navigators, which are both located in Rochester (MDH,