Evaluation of Comprehensive Services for Victims of Human Trafficking: Key Findings and Lessons Learned, Final Report

• NCJ Number: 218777
• Date Published: April 2007
• Length: 181 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2002-MU-MU-K004
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation

Annotation

This is the final report on the evaluation of the Services for Trafficking Victims Discretionary Grant Program--Comprehensive Services Sites, which provides services to victims of human trafficking from the time they are identified by law enforcement (or others) until they are "certified" to receive services from the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

Abstract

The evaluation findings show that the three Comprehensive Services initiatives made significant progress toward achieving the goals of improving service provision for victims of human trafficking. This was evidenced by the increased availability of services that adequately met most victims' needs as reported by service providers and victims themselves; improved victim well-being as reported by most victims; and increased awareness of human trafficking within the communities as shown by increased attendance of community representatives and organizations at training events, increased numbers of volunteers, and increased numbers of referrals for possible trafficking situations and victims. Findings on promising practices, lessons learned, and the recommendations of service providers and victims are useful for other communities as they plan, implement, and maintain similar comprehensive service models that can meet the diverse and complex needs of victims of human trafficking. Recommendations pertain to collaboration in planning and implementing victim services, education, outreach, and training. The evaluation consisted of three phases. Phase I involved the identification and selection of sample sites. Data collection included extensive reviews of grant applications, telephone interviews, and site visits. Phase II of the evaluation produced descriptive information on the planning, implementation, and outcomes of the projects. Data collection consisted of key partner surveys, interviews, network surveys, and core performance measures. In phase III, intensive case studies were conducted with trafficking victims from each of the evaluation sites. Data collection involved in-person, one-on-one interviews. 16 exhibits, 12 references, and appended evaluation protocols and instruments