York Simcoe

Sex Trafficking
Screener (YST)

A quick online tool to screen for youth sex trafficking risk.

Start Screening

No data is ever saved

Workers in child welfare are often unsure if their youth were involved in sex trafficking.

How we help

Built with Ontario child welfare partners

Evidence-based and field-tested

No login or tracking

Privacy-first by design

How the YST works

Fill the screener

Access the tool from your phone, tablet, or computer. Then, answer 32 questions using your current knowledge of the youth and your clinical judgement.

Receive risk assessment scores

Evaluates warning signs that indicate your youth is more susceptible to being lured and/or recruited and immediate warning signs that indicate the possibility of active involvement.

Document and reassess over time

Record results clearly in the case file with attention to confidentiality. Re-screen during transitions or after drastic changes.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about features, privacy, and empirical validation.

The York-Simcoe Sex Trafficking Screening Tool (YST) screens for sex trafficking recruitment and exploitation risk. Using which, it provides immediate results to support safety and next steps. The tool informs but does not replace judgement by AHT professionals.

The YST screens for sex trafficking risk across two subscales. Recruitment warning signs indicate your youth is more susceptible to being lured and/or recruited. Exploitation warning signs indicate the possibility of active involvement.