Young people, prostitution and state out-of-home care: The views of a group of child welfare professionals in Victoria

Previous research suggests a link between experiences of state out-of-home care – particularly residential care – and involvement in prostitution. This study explored the nature of this relationship via semi-structured interviews with nine Victorian health and welfare professionals who had worked with young people living in residential care. The findings suggest a complex interaction between precare and in-care factors. Environmental and systemic factors within residential care that may contribute to prostitution involvement include peer influence, older males, drug use, staffing factors, poor provision of sex and relationship education, placement decisions, and social isolation. Some significant implications for policy and service delivery are identified.