Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Barragan, Armando. PhD, MSW

Abstract

Commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC) are an underrecognized population who face barriers when receiving healthcare services in emergency settings. A common theme that prevents them from receiving services is the healthcare professionals' (HP) inability to recognize warning signs and engage with victims. This stems from an absence of CSEC-focused curriculum in institutional settings, leading to a lack of education and confidence in identifying CSEC. CSEC screenings are not mandatory in most healthcare settings, leaving the discretion to the HP and enabling the continued missed opportunity to identify victims. The proposed study will utilize an exploratory design to conduct qualitative interviews with pediatric healthcare professionals in San Bernardino County. Therefore, the researchers will aim to answer the following question: What factors influence healthcare professionals’ ability to recognize CSEC?

Using Bronfenbrenner’s (1977) social-ecological theory as a model, the researchers hope to understand the influences of each system on HP’s ability to identify CSEC. The proposed findings will provide insight into the weaknesses of current practice and support the argument for mandatory screening assessments. In addition, it will contribute to the field of knowledge by further emphasizing the need for higher-quality CSEC training and education. Lastly, the findings may reduce the number of youth who remain unidentified by bridging the gap between the healthcare and child welfare systems.

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