When child trafficking and  informal fostering intersect: A mixed methods study

Anna M Cody; David Okech; Hui Yi; Lydia Aletraris; Jody Clay-Warner; Tamora Callands

doi:10.1921/swssr.v24i2.2026

Authors

Anna M Cody University of Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3053-9950
David Okech University of Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0078-5093
Hui Yi University of Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6865-6538
Lydia Aletraris University of Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1771-7791
Jody Clay-Warner University of Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5585-524X
Tamora Callands University of Georgia, Health Promotion & Behavior https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5317-6155

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v24i2.2026

Keywords:

informal child fostering, Sierra Leone, child trafficking, risk factors, poverty, Africa, menpikin

Abstract

Informal fostering is an important tradition for many communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, the intersections of poverty and social circumstances may increase the risk of exploitation for informally fostered children. We used mixed methods to estimate the prevalence of child trafficking within informal child fostering placements in Sierra Leone, to document vulnerability factors and explore perceptions of key stakeholders. Data were collected through 1) a household survey (N= 3,070), 2) interviews (N= 41) with young adults who experienced child trafficking in informal fostering, parents of children who experienced trafficking in foster placements, and key informants, and 3) focus groups with community members (N= 23). We found that informal fostering increases the likelihood for children to experience trafficking. Although there are significant associations between child trafficking and informal fostering, social (gender and cultural traditions) and economic factors (poverty and school access) appear to be drivers for both. Our results suggest that strengthening poverty reduction measures, expanding opportunities for schooling and vocational training for children and young adults, and improving safety for children in informal fostering arrangements through reporting and monitoring are essential to mitigate the high rates of child trafficking in Sierra Leone, and to ensure children’s well-being in informal fostering placements.

Author Biographies

Anna M Cody, University of Georgia

Anna M. Cody, PhD, Assistant Research Scientist, Center on Human Trafficking & Outreach, School of Social Work, University of Georgia.

David Okech, University of Georgia

David Okech, MSW, PHD, Professor, School of Social Work, Director of the Center on Human Trafficking Research & Outreach, & Director, APRIES, University of Georgia.

Hui Yi, University of Georgia

Hui Yi, PhD is an Assistant Research Scientist in the Center on Human Trafficking & Outreach within the School of Social Work.

Lydia Aletraris, University of Georgia

Lydia Aletraris, PhD is an Associate Research Scientist at the School of Social Work. She is also Associate Director of the Center on Human Trafficking Research & Outreach and Project Coordinator for the Prevalence Reduction Innovation Forum, UGA.

Jody Clay-Warner, University of Georgia

Jody Clay-Warner, PhD is Director at the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research. Jody is also a Meigs Distinguished Professor in Sociology and APRIES Associate Director in the Center on Human Trafficking & Outreach.

Tamora Callands, University of Georgia, Health Promotion & Behavior

Tamora A. Callands, PhD is Associate Professor at the College of Public Health. Tamora is also APRIES Training and Evaluation Coordinator within the Center on Human Trafficking & Outreach.

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