Human sex trafficking of girls and boys in the United States is a serious and growing concern for policymakers, child welfare leaders and the public, particularly given the strong linkages between the child welfare system and human trafficking. But more accurate information is needed about who is being trafficked, how that is occurring, what factors place these children at risk and what protections might be most effective.

This report presents the results of a national survey that sought to gather child welfare leaders’ insights into this problem and what they need to learn more about to combat it. Representatives from 45 jurisdictions representing 29 states, 13 counties, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia completed the interview in March and April 2014.

While the survey provided a modest first step in learning about child welfare leaders’ thoughts and needs regarding child sex trafficking, more accurate data are needed about who is being trafficked, how that is occurring, what risk factors place these children at risk and what protections might be most effective.