Background Sexually exploited youth are disconnected from societal tethers and need support systems, which makes them some of the most vulnerable of youth. This heightened level of vulnerability increases their risk for violence, abuse, ongoing sexual exploitation and all its sequelae. The purpose of this study was to examine an evidence-based intervention called STRIVE (support to reunite, involve and value each other) that has been a successful family re-engagement strategy with newly homeless youth. We sought to explore its contextual relevance for youth with risk factors for sexual exploitation and identify necessary adaptations to reduce risk factors for sexual exploitation. We deliberately took an intersectional approach in conducting this study. Methods Six community-based focus groups were conducted with youth at risk for sexual exploitation and their service providers. Each group was recorded, transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. Results Results from 29 youth and 11 providers indicate that there are unique considerations that must be taken into account while working with youth at risk for sexual exploitation to ensure effective service delivery and/or ethical research. Emergent themes included: setting the stage by building rapport and acknowledging experiences of structural violence, protect and hold which balances youth's need for advocacy/support with their caregivers' need for validation/understanding, and walking the safety tightrope by assessing risks and safety planning. Discussion Focus groups are an effective methodology when working with traditionally disempowered populations particularly in gaining a range of perspectives to meet unique needs/preferences. Youth at risk for commercial sexual exploitation needs require strengths-based, individualized, multi-systemic approaches.

中文翻译：

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调整家庭干预以减少性剥削的风险因素。

背景 受性剥削的青年与社会束缚脱节，需要支持系统，这使他们成为最容易受到伤害的青年。这种高度的脆弱性增加了他们遭受暴力、虐待、持续性剥削及其所有后遗症的风险。本研究的目的是检验一种名为 STRIVE（支持重聚、参与和重视彼此）的循证干预措施，该干预措施是一种成功的家庭重新参与策略，可帮助新无家可归的青年。我们试图探索其与性剥削风险因素对青年的背景相关性，并确定必要的调整以减少性剥削的风险因素。我们在进行这项研究时特意采用了交叉方法。方法 与面临性剥削风险的青年及其服务提供者开展了六个以社区为基础的焦点小组。每组都被记录、转录、编码和主题分析。结果 来自 29 名青年和 11 名提供者的结果表明，在与面临性剥削风险的青年合作时，必须考虑一些独特的因素，以确保有效的服务提供和/或道德研究。新兴主题包括：通过建立融洽的关系和承认结构性暴力的经历来搭建舞台，保护和保持平衡青年对倡导/支持的需求与他们的照顾者对验证/理解的需求，以及通过评估风险和安全计划走安全钢丝。讨论 焦点小组在与传统上被剥夺权利的人群合作时是一种有效的方法，特别是在获得一系列观点以满足独特的需求/偏好方面。面临商业性剥削风险的青年需要基于优势的、个性化的、多系统的方法。