Child sex trafficking involves the giving or receiving of anything of value (money, shelter, food, clothing, drugs, etc.) to any person in exchange for a sex act with someone under the age of 18. Sex trafficking is experienced by children of all ages, races, and socio-economic circumstances and occurs in urban, suburban, rural communities, and land-based nations and other tribal communities. Children who are trafficked in the US may be US citizens or children who are brought to the US from other countries.  

The following sections provide information about child sex trafficking including basic definitions, risk factors, impact, and recommendations related to screening, assessment, and intervention. Information and resources are available for multiple audiences including mental health professionals, healthcare providers, school personnel, policy makers, and more.