New Study reveals how Pediatricians can recognize trafficked children

A clinical update was published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. report Last week was all about helping pediatricians identify children and teenagers who have been trafficked.

The Council on Child Abuse and Neglect and the Council on Immigrant Child and Family Health published this document. “Exploitation, Labor and Sex Trafficking of Children and Adolescents: Health Care Needs of Patients” List of potential buyers “red flags” while we discuss screening tools and provide detailed information about evaluations and aftercare.

Jordan Greenbaum MD, the lead author of this report, stated in a news release that COVID-related lockdowns and travel restrictions increased children’s vulnerability to exploitation and traffickers amid many families experiencing income loss.

“What is especially challenging for healthcare professionals is that individuals experiencing trafficking or exploitation may not perceive themselves as being exploited or may be reluctant to disclose their situation to medical staff,” Dr. Greenbaum said. “This makes it difficult to recognize children and adolescents in need.”

These red flags are something physicians should be looking for. Other signs may include malnutrition, inflicted injury or a history of abortions.

Dr. Greenbaum stated that the American Academy of Pediatrics (which covers 67,000 members) recommends that pediatric care providers and staff adopt trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approaches to working with this vulnerable population.

“Physicians can play a vital role in offering critical services to vulnerable and exploited children and adolescents,” Dr. Greenbaum said. “An important first step is to develop trusting, respectful relationships with patients who need to feel safe and supported.”

According to the news release, nearly 5 million children around the world were forced into labor or sexual exploitation in 2021.

International Labor Organization (ILO), as reported by Health News Over 27.5 millions people were forced into work, the majority in the Asia and Pacific regions and the Arab States. More than half of those forced into labor were children.

Health News reported U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) officials said traffickers use technological advancements, which expose victims to severe dangers — many of whom are children runaways from low-income families that have created a bond with their aggressor after being persuaded with money, food, clothes, and attention.

Health News reported that between 14,500 and 17,500 victims are trafficked into the United States every year. Meanwhile, the number of U.S. criminals charged with human trafficking has increased 84% (729-1,343) in the period 2011-2025.

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