Despite current studies highlighting the risk of homeless youth to human trafficking victimization due to the absence of basic needs, care, and increased susceptibility to exploitation, there is a lack of supportive mentorship and stable adult relationships as protective factors to help navigate and decrease their risk of ongoing cycles of trafficking. This study is part of a collaborative effort between academia and a non-profit organization to develop a trauma-informed mentorship program for unhoused youth and young adults. This study aimed to capture insights from potential mentors and mentees in the mentorship program regarding the structure, matching process, frequency, needs, and barriers. The researchers conducted a 90-minute, structured, qualitative focus group interview with mentors (n=26) and young adults/youth (n=11). The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings provided critical insights into identified trust-building processes, structural support, and program features best suited to an effective mentorship relationship, serving as a framework for understanding the youth and mentor’s needs through listening. The themes that emerged from the youth’s data groups emphasized guidance on life goal planning, matching processes, and activity-driven events. In contrast, themes emerged from the mentors' data focused on recruitment, selection, and matching processes, as well as a regular mentor support system for mentorship program development. The study will have a significant impact on anti-human trafficking prevention by shedding light on vulnerable youth’s mentorship needs and mentors’ barriers, thereby aiding the development of effective human trafficking prevention programs for youth, incorporating their voices into program design and implementation.
Dr. Sarbinaz Bekmuratova is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Creighton University. The primary area of her research focuses on human trafficking prevention among youth and other vulnerable populations and exploring the intersection of human trafficking and occupational therapy.
Dr. Rochelle Dalla is a Professor in the Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research addresses familial relationships and developmental trajectories of victim/survivors of sex and labor trafficking. She is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Human Trafficking.
Emma Dubisz is a second-year doctoral Occupational Therapy student at Creighton University. She joined this research project because being a part of this project allows her to advocate for the individuals who are voiceless in these situations and to focus on prevention for youth who are at risk of exposure.
Oluwatosin Alabi is a doctoral student in the Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She joined the Human Trafficking Prevention and Rehabilitation Lab at Creighton University in 2025.
Nick Nondorf is currently a student at Creighton University and got involved in Creighton's Human Trafficking Research Lab. This opportunity as an intersection between his professional aspirations as an OT and his Public Health major has been crucial in his understanding of both fields.