Human trafficking of minors and childhood adversity in Florida.

Objectives. To examine the link between human trafficking of minors and childhood adversity. Methods. We compared the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and cumulative childhood adversity (ACE score) among a sample of 913 juvenile justice–involved boys and girls in Florida for whom the Florida child abuse hotline accepted human trafficking abuse reports between 2009 and 2015 with those of a matched sample. Results. ACE composite scores were higher and 6 ACEs indicative of child maltreatment were more prevalent among youths who had human trafficking abuse reports. Sexual abuse was the strongest predictor of human trafficking: the odds of human trafficking was 2.52 times greater for girls who experienced sexual abuse, and there was a 8.21 times greater risk for boys who had histories of sexual abuse. Conclusions. Maltreated youths are more susceptible to exploitation in human trafficking. Sexual abuse in connection with high ACE scores may serve as a key predictor of exploitation in human trafficking for both boys and girls

For Males Only? The Search for Serious, Violent, and Chronic Female Juvenile Offenders

The current study examines the prevalence and correlates of serious, violent, and chronic offending among female juveniles admitted to juvenile justice residential programs in the state of Florida.Results are based on 3008 female youth who completed juvenile justice residential commitment programs from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2014. Prevalence and correlates of serious, violent, and chronic offending among female youth were examined using logistic regression. Correlates include criminal history, individual, and mental health risk factors as well as temperament constructs.This sample of deep-end female offenders evidenced a serious, violent, and chronic prevalence rate of 27%. Female youth who offended earlier in life, those who were gang-involved, had a history of child welfare involvement, and had conduct disorder or temperament problems are more likely to evidence serious, violent, and chronic offending patterns.Serious, violent, and chronic female offenders represent a unique subset of juvenile offenders, presenting with myriad of mental health, temperamental, and individual risk factors. Large studies, such as the current examination, are needed to adequately understand the risks and correlates of serious, violent, and chronic offending among female delinquent youth