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Partnering to Enhance Services for Survivors: An Evaluability Assessment and Formative Evaluation of Safe Horizon's Anti-Trafficking Program

NCJ Number
310486
Date Published
2025
Length
61 pages
Annotation

This paper presents results of an evaluability assessment and formative evaluation of Safe Horizon's Anti-Trafficking Program (SH-ATP).  

Abstract

This evaluability assessment and formative evaluation of Safe Horizon’s Anti-Trafficking Program (SH-ATP) provides a foundational understanding of SH-ATP and best strategies for evaluating the program. The project team conducted a two-phase project comprised of an evaluability assessment (Phase 1) and a formative evaluation (Phase 2) of SH-ATP. The project was guided by two expert advisory groups—one composed of human trafficking survivors, and one composed of researchers and practitioners. The evaluability assessment informed the development of practice and research materials that ultimately enhanced the feasibility of the project’s formative evaluation. The project team was able to use existing, de-identified administrative data to examine trends in client characteristics and human trafficking experiences. The Frontline Work Framework demonstrated alignment with SH-ATP’s approach to service delivery and client interactions. The project-developed Frontline Work Tool was feasible and was able to capture variability in frontline work strategies across staff, clients, and time. Recommendations were provided for enhancing the tool for practice and future research. The project team was able to engage SH-ATP clients in research evaluating the program. Based on findings from the evaluability assessment evaluation research activities, SH-ATP’s theory of change could best be described in the following way: Comprehensive services comprised of intensive case management and legal assistance lead to enhanced well-being and self-sufficiency. This theory of change highlights SH-ATP’s two core programs: (1) case management (i.e., social work services) and (2) legal assistance. In addition to these two core programs, SH-ATP is comprised of various other key activities, including but not limited to outreach and training, policy and advocacy, and Voices of Hope.

Date Published: January 1, 2025