Lessons Learned from a Drop-In Center for Girls Who Have Experienced Commercial Sexual Exploitation
Article
Kenny, MC, Ortiz Diaz, K, Stephens, D. (2025). Lessons Learned from a Drop-In Center for Girls Who Have Experienced Commercial Sexual Exploitation
. 10.1080/23322705.2025.2479404
Kenny, MC, Ortiz Diaz, K, Stephens, D. (2025). Lessons Learned from a Drop-In Center for Girls Who Have Experienced Commercial Sexual Exploitation
. 10.1080/23322705.2025.2479404
Recovery from commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) includes the provision of many services. Project Girls Owning Their Lives and Dreams (GOLD), a multidisciplinary program for females who have experienced CSE, provides a range of free services at a drop-in center, based on individuals’ post trafficking needs and treatment choices. Perceptions from the staff involved in the establishment of another drop-in center at a second location, their obstacles and challenges faced, and the factors that eventually led to its closure are presented. Results show that staff had general agreement about what services were necessary and common elements for the therapeutic environment. Transportation and staffing were among the key obstacles identified, and issues with enrollment were cited as one of the major reasons for subsequent closure of the center. The perceptions of these workers may inform other agency personnel who are considering the creation of a drop-in center.
