279 – Who Are the Kids Being Trafficked, with Kendra Tankersley-Davis

Sandie is joined by Kendra Tankersley-Davis to discuss the characteristics and signs of youth who are identified as being commercially sexually exploited. Sandie and Kendra provide statistics on what CSEC looks like in Orange County, risk factors for caregivers to look out for, and tips for individuals interested in becoming a foster/resource parent.

Kendra Tankersley-Davis

Kendra has worked with at-risk children and families, who are involved in the child welfare, probation, or mental health systems due to complex trauma, for over sixteen years. She has worked in Human Trafficking supporting survivors in transitioning out of the life, educating communities, teaching preventative methods, and providing advocacy for over fifteen years. Kendra has a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Family and Human Development; she is currently The Vice President of External Affairs at Crittenton Services for Children and Families.

Key Points

For youth who experience trauma, often their development can stop or be hindered at that age of experience.

80% of the CSEC (commercially sexually exploited children) who were identified in Orange County were from Orange County

The biggest risk factor for exploitation is prior abuse and neglect.

Training to recognize the signs of possible exploitation and/or abuse for anyone interacting with youth is important to take action and prevent further harm.

Resources

Crittenton Services for Family and Children

Smart Mamas, Safe Kids - OC Parent Anti-Human Trafficking Training

EP. 278 - Identifying and Interacting with Minor Victims of Human Trafficking, with Dr. Jodi Quas

Love the show? Consider supporting us on Patreon!

Become a Patron

Transcript

Dave [00:00:00] You're listening to the Ending Human Trafficking podcast. This is episode number 279, Who Are the Kids Being Trafficked, with Kendra Tankersley-Davis.

Production Credits [00:00:11] Produced by Innovate Learning, maximizing human potential.

Dave [00:00:31] Welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking podcast. My name is Dave Stachowiak.

Sandie [00:00:37] And my name is Sandie Morgan.

Dave [00:00:39] And this is the show where we empower you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in ending human trafficking. Sandie, today we are turning our attention of our conversation towards kids. The most important people, perhaps in this conversation. One of the reasons we continue to come back to the topic of children in our conversation about ending human trafficking. Today, an expert with us who's going to help us to really understand this population better and some of the implications that we can all learn from. I'm so pleased to welcome Kendra Tankersley-Davis. She is an adjunct professor for the Global Center for Women and Justice here at Vanguard University. Kendra has worked with at-risk children and families who are involved in the child welfare probation or mental health systems due to complex trauma. And she's been doing the work for over 16 years. She has worked in human trafficking, supporting survivors and transitioning out of the life, educating communities, teaching preventative methods, and providing advocacy for over 15 years. Kendra has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in Family and Human Development. She's currently the Vice President of External Affairs at Crittenton Services for Children and Families. Kendra, what a pleasure to have you with us.