SWK Practice I Final Assignment - Human Trafficking Case

SWK Practice I Final Assignment - Human Trafficking Case of Luciana

Based on the case study of Luciana, a 15-year-old girl who survived sex trafficking, this paper explores her developmental stage, the theoretical framework guiding practice, her strengths and challenges, intervention strategies, goals, cultural considerations, policies affecting her case, advocacy for social change, ethical issues, integration of evidence-based practice, and personal reflections.

Paper For Above instruction

Luciana is a young adolescent, specifically in the industry of psychosocial development the stage of early adolescence (approximately ages 10-14), transitioning into middle adolescence. According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages, this corresponds to the stage of "Identity versus Role Confusion" (Erikson, 1968). During early adolescence, individuals are tasked with developing a sense of identity, independence, and self-awareness while navigating their social environments. These developmental tasks include establishing a personal identity, developing self-esteem, forming peer relationships, and beginning to understand their future roles in society (Santrock, 2018).

Her traumatic experience has profoundly affected her biologically, psychologically, and socially. Biologically, chronic stress associated with trauma activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in alterations in cortisol levels, which can influence brain development, especially in areas responsible for emotion regulation (McEwen, 2007). Psychologically, Luciana exhibits symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks, fear, and trust issues. The trauma has disrupted her sense of safety and self-worth (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Socially, her trust in others, especially men, is compromised. She has for example gained weight as a method of self-protection, indicating disrupted body image and self-esteem. Her social relationships are strained by the trauma, yet her engagement in community activities and faith demonstrates resilience and adaptive social functioning (Shonkoff et al., 2012).

Theories Guiding Practice

The primary theoretical framework informing my practice with Luciana stems from trauma-informed care principles, underpinned by attachment theory. Trauma-informed care recognizes the pervasive impact of trauma on development and promotes safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014). Attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969) emphasizes the importance of secure relationships for healthy emotional development. Given Luciana’s history of instability, abuse, and separation from her primary caregivers, attachment theory helps explain her difficulty trusting others and her resilience in forming new supportive relationships.

This approach is fitting because it centers on creating a safe environment and fostering a therapeutic relationship where Luciana can rebuild trust and develop healthy attachments, essential for her recovery and ongoing development (Miller et al., 2017).

Strengths of the Client

Luciana demonstrates notable resilience given her traumatic circumstances. Her willingness to engage in therapy, her faith in God, and her active participation in community activities such as swimming and volleyball exemplify her strengths. She retains a connection to her cultural roots and demonstrates motivation to heal and improve her well-being, which are crucial assets in her recovery process (Ungar, 2011).

Challenges Faced by the Client

Luciana’s challenges include ongoing trauma symptoms such as flashbacks and fear of re-victimization, trust issues particularly with men, low self-esteem, and body image concerns manifested through weight gain. Language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of local support groups tailored for child trafficking survivors add to her difficulties. Her trauma also affects her academic engagement and social integration (Cook et al., 2017).

Intervention Strategies

I employed trauma-informed techniques such as grounding exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and self-affirmations to help Luciana manage her symptoms. Teaching grounding techniques like journaling, stretching, and mindfulness activities facilitated her ability to stay present and reduce dissociative episodes (Resick et al., 2016). Assertiveness training and self-esteem building exercises encouraged her to express her needs and develop a healthier self-image. Additionally, I incorporated culturally sensitive practices, respecting her language and faith, to foster trust and engagement (Hodges et al., 2018).

Goals for the Client

Key goals included enhancing Luciana’s sense of safety and trust, building her self-esteem, improving her emotional regulation, and establishing a support system within her community. Specific objectives were reducing trauma symptoms such as flashbacks, increasing her assertiveness, and fostering connections that reinforce her resilience and cultural identity. Encouraging her active participation in community and faith activities was also a focal point to promote social integration and stability.

Cultural Considerations

Working with Luciana necessitated sensitivity to her Hispanic cultural background, including faith-based practices, family dynamics, and language. Recognizing her reliance on faith in God and her cultural values helped tailor interventions to be respectful and effective. Language barriers required the integration of bilingual resources or interpreters to ensure she fully understood and participated in therapy. Additionally, understanding the stigma associated with trafficking and mental health within her cultural context guided respectful and nonjudgmental engagement (Bhui et al., 2016).

Policies Affecting the Case

From an ecological perspective, policies such as the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), enacted in 2000, directly impact Luciana’s case by providing legal protections, including the issuance of a T-Visa, that allow her to remain in the United States and access services. Federal immigration policies influence her eligibility for support and legal remedies. State and local laws about child welfare, mandatory reporting, and immigration enforcement also shape her care pathway. The lack of adequate local resources for child trafficking survivors highlights gaps that policy reforms could address (U.S. Department of State, 2020).

Advocacy for Social Change

To effect social change, advocacy efforts must focus on increasing public awareness of human trafficking, improving access to culturally sensitive services for youth, and strengthening legislation to protect vulnerable populations. Campaigns educating communities about trafficking signs and the importance of trauma-informed services can prevent future exploitation. Policies supporting specialized support groups for trafficking survivors, resource allocation, and training for service providers can foster systemic improvements (Lederer & Skeldon, 2018).

Ethical and Legal Issues

In this case, ethical issues included maintaining confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and respecting cultural values. Legally, safeguarding the best interests of a minor while navigating immigration laws and trafficking victim protections posed challenges. Ensuring she received appropriate legal counsel and protections aligned with ethical standards. The role of mandatory reporting laws, especially given her age and circumstances, was also an ethical obligation that needed careful handling to avoid re-traumatization (American Counseling Association, 2014).

Evidence-Based Practice Integration

Integrating evidence-based practices (EBPs) like trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is crucial for addressing PTSD symptoms effectively (Cohen et al., 2017). TF-CBT’s efficacy in reducing trauma symptoms among youth supports its application here. Also, grounding techniques supported by neurobiological research on trauma recovery can improve emotional regulation (van der Kolk, 2014). Using EBPs ensures interventions are guided by scientific evidence, enhancing outcomes for Luciana.

Additional Information

Addressing the lack of local peer support groups tailored for young trafficking survivors is vital. Establishing mentorship programs, possibly through community partnerships, could provide ongoing support. Furthermore, involving her school counselor and social services can facilitate her academic and social reintegration.

Personal Reflections

This case highlights the importance of trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and multidisciplinary approaches when working with trafficking survivors. It underscores the resilience of youth like Luciana and the necessity of systemic advocacy and tailored services to foster recovery and empowerment.

References

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