Applying

Confirming whether existing programs and new ideas work by devising metrics to evaluate their effectiveness with the goal of constantly improving services for survivors of and people who are vulnerable to human trafficking.

Applying Evidence to Improve Practice

We believe there is a compelling need for innovation and professionalization in the anti-trafficking industry. Though there is a growing number of coalitions and networks of organizations fighting human trafficking, there has been little growth or change regarding intervention methods and prevention tactics. Many organizations struggle to find professional development and certification opportunities for their staff.

Within the academic and NGO communities, the knowledge exists to begin to:

  • Professionalize the workforce
  • Update processes and programs to incorporate the latest research and evidence
  • Develop standardized strategies that honor the agency of survivors and those at risk of exploitation
  • Develop professional standards for measuring the effectiveness of programs
  • Develop professional standards for evaluation of organizations, programs, and employees

We partner with academic scholars, organizational leaders, professional practitioners, and granting organizations to utilize research to:

  • Improve practice
  • Professionalize the movement
  • Develop certifications and standards to guide the anti-trafficking movement into a more effective future

We apply our learning and thinking to improve programming and professionalize the industry by:

Influencing

  • Use evidence-based ideation and innovation to influence the evolution of existing programs and increase their effectiveness
  • Use the existing evidence base to initiate and influence discussions on anti-trafficking policy
  • Facilitate conversations within the anti-trafficking industry focused on the adoption of evidence-based prevention methods and tactics

Guiding

  • Provide strategic guidance to help the anti-trafficking movement develop evidence-based programs that address the root causes of human trafficking
  • Consult with donors and granting organizations to assist with evaluating grant recipients using evidence-based criteria
  • Facilitate the identification and training of grass roots organizations to address vulnerability in specific communities with elevated risk of exploitation

Evaluating

  • Develop measures to assess industry programs
  • Develop measures to assess community vulnerability across disciplines
  • Develop measures to assess individual and family vulnerability across disciplines
  • Assist with development of organizational evaluation processes

Certifying

  • Use measurement and evaluation standards to develop ethical anti-trafficking certification programs and certification boards
  • Develop professional certification programs for specific roles in the anti-trafficking field

Our goal for the application of our research and innovation activities is to facilitate the development of evidence-based applications and lead a movement focused on increasing professionalism in the anti-trafficking movement.

Good intentions and a desire to help are only the precursors to evidence-based programs and professionally-trained staff.

Human trafficking has devastating effects on the lives of real people. They deserve a strategic, professional approach from the anti-trafficking movement, no matter where they live or which organization provides assistance.

Every survivor and every person at risk deserves nothing less than our very best: a kind, evidence-based response delivered by skilled, empathetic professionals.