A new national report from the First Star Institute with the Wilbanks Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation Clinic of the University of Georgia School of Law reveals a stark reality: child sex trafficking is not rare. It is a persistent and under-identified crisis within the systems designed to protect vulnerable children.
The report, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children: Attorney Insights and Identified Training Needs, draws on insights from nearly 100 attorneys across 21 states representing children in foster care and the juvenile justice system.
Key findings:
- Nearly 9 in 10 attorneys report serving children impacted by trafficking, with only 12% saying they rarely or never encounter these cases
- 57% of attorneys say trafficking appears in their caseloads, while 31% say they often or always serve affected youth
- 43% report that trafficking cases are increasing, while most others say the problem remains consistently high
- 80% of attorneys say criminalization of victims is a major challenge, worsening trauma and limiting recovery
- 78% report that the vast majority of their clients have experienced significant trauma, highlighting extreme vulnerability
- 66% say child sex trafficking is a serious national issue, and none say it is not a problem
- Nearly half say they lack adequate knowledge of available services, pointing to major gaps in support systems
“These findings confirm what many on the front lines already see,” said Noy Davis, Vice President of Operations at First Star Institute. “Child sex trafficking is not isolated. It is showing up regularly in cases, and too many children are being missed.”
Children in foster care face heightened risk due to instability, prior trauma, and unmet needs. Traffickers exploit these vulnerabilities through grooming tactics that often go undetected.
Despite increased public awareness, the report finds that systemic gaps continue to limit early identification and effective intervention. Many victims remain unseen and unsupported.
The findings are based on a survey of 94 attorneys, providing a nationwide snapshot of how trafficking is impacting children already involved in protective systems.
