NCJ Number
151615
Date Published
1992
Length
142 pages
Annotation
Eight-four homeless California youths ages 13-18 who had been sexually exploited were studied with respect to their mental health and service needs.
Abstract
The youths came from varied ethnic backgrounds and were identified by staff of two youth-serving agencies in Los Angeles and San Francisco as involved in or at high risk for involvement in survival sex or prostitution. Data were gathered by means of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, semistructured interviews with 34 youths, interviews with experts, and a mail survey of selected youth-serving agencies in four major California metropolitan areas. Results revealed that 84 percent of the 66 youths with valid MMPI profiles had moderate to severe affective disorders. Thirty-six percent were at high risk for suicide, and 52 percent were at high risk for drug abuse. Only 29 percent grew up in homes with both parents present, 55 percent had lived in foster homes or placement, and 78 percent had a history of child abuse. Recommended actions to address the needs of these youths include statewide policy changes to improve mental health services to these youths, training for service providers, and measures to address service needs and gaps. Appended instruments and background information and 48 references