Continuing Education

Sex Trafficking and Youth

Protecting Vulnerable Children Through Trauma-Informed Care

Mental Health Education

About The Course

Course Title: Sex Trafficking and Youth

Learning Method: Record asynchronous distance (non-interactive). This course includes a recorded video and access to the presented resources.

Amount of CE Credit Offered: 1 credit (general). ASWB ACE and NBCC.

Fees: This course can be purchased individually for $25 or as part of an annual unlimited continuing education subscription available for $99/year.

Posttest: Following the course, the participant will take a 10 question posttest. A score of 70% correct is required to pass and obtain a certificate. If you do not pass the posttest, it can be re-taken after fully reviewing the materials again.

Certificate of Completion: In order to receive a certificate of completion, you must indicate that you’ve watched the entire video portion of the course, earn a passing grade on the test, and complete the requested course evaluation.

Description of the Course:

Why is understanding this topic important?

1. Prevalence and Vulnerability:

Youth are highly vulnerable to exploitation, and sex trafficking is a widespread issue affecting thousands of minors annually, making awareness and prevention efforts crucial to protect at-risk populations.

2. Long-lasting Trauma:

Victims of sex trafficking often experience severe, long-term physical, emotional, and psychological trauma, requiring specialized therapeutic interventions to support recovery and reintegration.

3. Legal and Societal Responsibility:

Addressing sex trafficking is not only a legal obligation but also a societal one, as preventing exploitation and supporting survivors contributes to creating a safer and more just society for all children.

Learning Objectives:

Identify Key Indicators of Youth Sex Trafficking: Participants will be able to recognize common signs of youth being trafficked, such as scripted stories, lack of identification, and inappropriate clothing. This knowledge will help professionals intervene early and provide appropriate support.
Apply Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Strategies: Learners will practice using therapeutic approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy and somatic exercises, to help trafficked youth process their trauma. These methods aim to promote emotional healing and stability for victims.
Develop a Holistic Care Plan for Trafficked Youth: Participants will create comprehensive care plans that address the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of trafficked youth, integrating services like medical care, therapy, and educational support. These plans will prioritize the well-being and recovery of survivors.

Target Audience:

Mental health professionals and Masters and Clinical level licensees pursuing continuing education.

Content Level:

Both beginning and intermediate-level content are included in this course.

Instructor Bio(s):

Sarah Simpson, Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

Sarah is an experienced therapist who specializes in a range of complex issues including trauma, addiction, anxiety, and fostering healthy relationships. She approaches therapy with a compassionate and supportive mindset, firmly believing in the importance of walking alongside her clients as they navigate the varied challenges that life presents. Her goal is to empower individuals to understand and overcome their struggles, ensuring they feel heard and valued throughout their therapeutic journey.

Professionally trained in several evidence-based therapeutic modalities, Sarah has extensive expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She continually seeks to enhance her knowledge and skills by engaging in ongoing professional development and training, allowing her to provide the most effective and current treatments.

Course Outline:

1) Introduction and Learning Objectives

Introduction of the speaker, Sarah Simpson, and her qualifications as a licensed clinical social worker and trauma therapist.
Overview of the topic: commercial sexual exploitation of children, including a definition of sex trafficking and its legal framework.

2) Key Indicators of Sex Trafficking

Discussion of observable signs of youth being trafficked: scripted stories, lack of identification, inappropriate clothing, and avoiding eye contact.
Additional indicators such as high numbers of sexual partners and branded tattoos.

3) Trafficking Dynamics and Terminology

Explanation of how traffickers control victims (e.g., withholding IDs, emotional manipulation).
Overview of specific trafficking terms such as “seasoning,” “PIMP,” and “using up.”

4) Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions

Therapeutic methods used with trafficked youth, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic exercises, art therapy, and equine therapy.
Focus on trauma-informed care and addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of exploitation.

5) Support Services and Holistic Care

Description of services at Streetlight USA, including housing, education, and therapy.
Emphasis on holistic care approaches (mind, body, and soul) and strategies for building trust and rapport with survivors.

Course Creation Date: 10/21/24

Requesting Accessibility Accommodations:

Please email [email protected] to request accessibility accommodations.

System Requirements:

The most recent version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge browser
Javascript enabled
PDF plugin
Graphic and audio output capability
Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended)
TLS 1.2 supported by your web browser

Refund Policy: In general, refunds will not be provided. However, if you do have any concerns or grievances, please contact us at the email address below. Registrants who do not complete their course(s) will not receive a refund. Registrants who purchased the course but did not achieve a passing grade will not receive a refund. The Agents of Change Grievance Policy can be viewed here.

Cancellation Policy: If an Agents of Change Continuing Education course is canceled, a full refund will be provided to all participants.

Please email [email protected] with any questions about the course.

Agents of Change is Approved by ACE

Agents of Change, #1919, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 7/26/2023 – 7/26/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

Agents of Change is Approved by NBCC

Agents of Change has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7620. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Agents of Change is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

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Your Continuing Education Includes

Audio + Visual Content

We design our continuing education to support all learning styles. Each topic includes engaging videos and visual slides. With your purchase, you also get access to on-the-go audio resources.

High Quality Materials

Build your understanding with high quality materials and comprehensive explanations. Agents of Change will help you master the topics you need to know to build your career.

PEER + Email Support

With your purchase, you'll be invited to the Agents of Change community, a supporting skill building environment. You'll also have access to the Agents of Change team for any questions!