Improving Housing Services for Youth Survivors of Sexual Exploitation: An Exploratory Study

Children who have been commercially sexually exploited are a vulnerable population, often in need of housing services. However, little is known about housing services for this population. To address this gap, the current study aims to further the understanding and knowledge about housing services for children who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) in the U.S. Through a structured online search and review of the research literature, we identified 56 programs thought to be serving children who have experienced CSE in the United States. Agencies were asked to complete a brief semi-structured survey on their services for youth who have been commercially sexually exploited. Of the 56 programs, 43 programs were still active and targeted for recruitment. 16 programs completed the surveys (37% response rate). Findings from the survey included variations across programs in lengths of stays and type of housing services offered, few formal protocols for data collection and evaluation, and generally strong support for the use of survivor mentors. Based on our literature review and survey analysis, we provide recommendations for implementing potentially effective new housing services and suggest some useful strategies for developing rigorous program evaluations

Sleep Health Education to Promote Public Health: Attitudes and Desired Learning Goals among Social Work Students

Social workers are often front line behavioral health providers for underserved populations, many of whom experience sleep disturbances. Inadequate sleep presents a public health challenge and is associated with many adverse physical health and mental health consequences. Social workers are uniquely positioned to promote sleep health among individuals experiencing health inequities. However, sleep is rarely included as part of the curricula in social work programs in the U.S. We conducted qualitative formative research to investigate social work students’ perceptions of sleep education and desired sleep learning objectives. Twenty-five social work students were recruited via a listserv e-mail to participate in one of three focus groups. Participants believed sleep education could be beneficial in promoting client health and well-being. Desired learning goals included: (1) the importance of sleep; (2) identify symptoms of sleep deprivation and sleep disorders; (3) environmental and lifestyle factors that impact sleep; (4) behaviors to promote optimal sleep; and (5) sleep health as it relates to special populations (e.g., homelessness, substance using). Social work students expressed a desire to aquire knowledge on sleep health promotion as part of the social work curricula. Sleep education could be of considerable relevance to social work students, practitioners, and the clients they serve

Emergency Housing and Social Service Options for Children Who Have Been Commercially Sexually Exploited

For agencies providing housing and other services to CSEC, there is limited information on promising practices. We present findings from surveys completed with 16 programs serving CSEC, including common program components, promising practices, and recommendations for future housing program