Study Protocol for an Evaluability Assessment of an Anti-human Trafficking Program

• NCJ Number: 307700
• Journal: International Journal for Equity in Health Volume: 20 Issue: 234 Dated: Oct 2021
• Author(s): Christopher J. Wretman; Rebecca J. Macy; Amanda M. Stylianou; Anita S. Teekah; Elizabeth N. Ebright; Jeongsuk Kim; Jia Luo; Cynthia Fraga Rizo
• Date Published: October 2021
• Length: 10 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2019-VT-BX-0039
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

This article presents the protocol for an evaluability assessment of an anti-human trafficking program.

Abstract

This ongoing study aims to develop guidance concerning how best to evaluate anti-human trafficking programs through a mixed methods evaluability assessment of a prominent anti-trafficking program using a social justice framework. Guided by well-established evaluability assessment frameworks, the study activities include four sequential steps: (a) focusing the assessment, (b) developing the program theory and logic, (c) gathering feedback, and (d) applying the assessment findings. Activities will include qualitative interviews and focus groups, observations, and quantitative analysis of program data among others. Once completed, evaluability assessment results will provide evidence and products that have the potential to guide both evaluation research and service provision not only for the specific organization under study, but also for other anti-human trafficking programs worldwide. Findings will be developed into a variety of dissemination products tailored for both practice professionals and researchers. In the interim, this protocol manuscript offers research strategies and recommendations that can help inform the development of other studies in the developing field of anti-trafficking program evaluation research. Many community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations worldwide have developed anti-trafficking programs for survivors. Unfortunately, despite the growing numbers of organizations providing anti-trafficking services, research concerning these programs’ effectiveness remains nascent overall, and even more scant when filtered through an equity focus. (Published Abstract Provided)