Strategies for Using Program-collected Data in Multi-Site Evaluation of Services for Trafficking Victims

• In Event: Evaluation Challenges and Strategies in Services for Victims of Human Trafficking

Abstract

Collecting high quality data from service programs presents challenges for researchers. For many reasons (including lack of staff time, resources, or knowledge about how to utilize data for program monitoring and evaluation), programs may not collect data, or collect data that is incomplete, inconsistent, or inaccurate. Cross-site evaluations face additional challenges in obtaining uniform data across multiple, varied programs. The Evaluation of Domestic Human Trafficking Demonstration Projects is a cross-site process evaluation of six unique grantees. Project goals include identifying trafficking victims and delivering trauma-informed, victim-centered services through coordinated case management, a system of referrals, and the formation of community partnerships. The evaluation team worked closely with each of the six grantees to collect uniform, detailed, client-level data describing the characteristics and service needs of clients served by each of the programs, services provided, referrals made, case management activities, and barriers to service delivery. Qualitative data collected by the evaluation team through key informant interviews offered a more complete picture of victims served, service delivery strategies, and implementation barriers, and elucidated the quantitative findings. This presentation describes strategies used to elicit grantee participation in timely collection of valid data, including coaching, feedback, and transforming data into information for grantees’ use.

Authors

• Rose Feinberg, RTI International

• Kate Krieger, RTI International

• Nakisa Asefnia, University of South Carolina

• Jennifer Hardison Walters, RTI International

• Marianne Kluckman, RTI

• Deborah A. Gibbs, RTI International