Specialty Courts for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children: What We Know and What Is Possible
Abstract
This article examines the emergence and development of juvenile specialty courts designed to serve commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC). Rooted in the juvenile court’s original rehabilitative mission, these specialized dockets aim to respond to the unique needs of exploited youth through a trauma-informed, non-adversarial, and multidisciplinary approach. The article begins by tracing the history of the juvenile court as the original specialty court and the subsequent evolution of problem-solving courts, such as drug courts, that influenced the CSEC court model. Drawing on empirical research, court observations, and a national survey conducted for this article, the article explores the origins, structures, and practices of existing CSEC courts, identifying common components and challenges. Although these courts show promise, the article underscores the critical need for rigorous evaluation to determine their effectiveness. Ultimately, successful CSEC court models may serve as a blueprint for broader juvenile justice reform by reinforcing developmentally appropriate, trauma-responsive practices for all youth involved in the court system.
Document Type
Article
Year
2025
Publication Title
Children's Legal Rights Journal
Volume
45
Number
1
Starting Page
19
Digital USD Citation
Heldman, Jessica, "Specialty Courts for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children: What We Know and What Is Possible" (2025). Faculty Scholarship. 194.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/law_fac_works/194