From Rapid Appraisal to Strategic Planning to Goal Identification: Accompanying an Anti-trafficking Task Force Through Evaluation

• In Event: Evaluation Methodology across Criminal Justice Programs

Abstract

Since 2004 numerous anti-trafficking task forces have been established. Some of these receive federal funding, others do not. To date limited rigorous evaluations have been conducted on these task forces. This paper will present findings from an evaluation being conducted with the San Francisco Mayor’s Task Force on Anti-Human Trafficking. Using the most robust form of participatory engagement, the paper will share how our researcher-survivor-ally team conducted a rapid appraisal of the Task Force which identified its keys strengths and opportunities for improvement. Findings from this rapid appraisal revealed areas members felt were successful, such as having a diversity of agencies represented and being able to find City funding for initiatives. They also highlighted the lack of clarity about roles, responsibilities, and goals. Based on our recommendation to undergo strategic planning to address the identified areas of improvement, the task force participated in a full day planning session that resulted in a clear definition of human trafficking, the task force’s vision, mission statement, and goals. Although this task force was formed in 2013, the results from this study indicate the importance of conducting evaluations to allow task forces the opportunity to better address exploitation in their communities.

Authors

• Emily Sims, Concordia University

• Minh Dang, University of Nottingham

• Alexandra Lutnick, RTI International