Assessing the needs of human trafficking victims: An evaluation of the Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking

Date

2007

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

School of Social Work Center for Social Work Research, University of Texas at Austin

Abstract

Findings of the study include data gathered from service providers, law enforcement, and victim participants, in addition to data compiled by RST. In section A, data gathered from service providers and law enforcement participants are presented, reflecting two broad finding areas: strengths of coalition-building and needs of victims and survivors. Participants identified six strengths of CTCAHT in meeting the needs of victims and survivors of human trafficking: 1) Consistency of membership and meetings; 2) Effective communication and trust-building among members; 3) Service coordination; 4) Members’ motivation and commitment; 5) Policy support; and 6) Service/resource availability. Participants identified six challenges that CTCAHT faces in serving victims and survivors of human trafficking: 1) Need for standardized protocols; 2) Inadequate resources and available services; 3) Barriers within law enforcement procedures; 4) Victims’/survivors’ fears and emotional needs; 5) Cultural competence barriers; and 6) Communication and information barriers. Data gathered by coalition members evaluating the coalition’s training efforts are also presented. Participants offered comments on the strengths and challenges of coalition outreach education efforts and offered feedback for future training. In part B, findings gathered from participating victims and survivors of trafficking are presented on five themes: 1) Services provided; 2) Barriers & service needs; 3) Strengths of services; 4) Strengths of victims/survivors; and 5) Victims’ goals for future in the U.S. Output data are presented in part C. These include primarily the number and type of victim services, the coalition’s collaborative partners, and training activities. Finally, part D presents a survey designed to be used in the future by RST in order to evaluate client satisfaction with victim services. (Author Text)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, research, commercial exploitation, CSEC, minorities, indigenous people, intervention, prevention, evaluation

Citation

Busch, Noel Bridget ; Fong, Rowena ; Heffron, Laurie cook ; Faulkner, Monica ; Mahapatra, Neely. (2007). Assessing the needs of human trafficking victims: An evaluation of the Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Austin, TX: School of Social Work Center for Social Work Research, University of Texas at Austin. 59p.

DOI