Building the Evidence on Preventing Youth Commercial Sexual Exploitation: A Nonrandomized, Quasi-experimental Evaluation of the Not a Number Trafficking Prevention Program.

Abstract

Few evaluations have been conducted of trafficking and educational programs aimed at reducing commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and trafficking of youth, despite the growing implementation of these programs across the United States. The current study uses a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the Not a Number (NAN) trafficking prevention program in two high schools in Houston, TX (N = 449). In both high schools, changes were measured through preprogram and postprogram surveys (approximately 2 months postprogram delivery) for students receiving NAN during health class (implementation group) and students in physical education classes who did not receive NAN (control group). We hypothesized that students in the implementation groups who received the NAN program would see the following changes: (a) improved awareness and understanding of the problem of CSE; (b) increased help-seeking capacity; and (c) improved safety planning. The study found support for increased CSE awareness and increased help-seeking self-efficacy. There was mixed support for the program's impact on safety planning. The current study is an advancement in knowledge about the efficacy of prevention education approaches to CSE of youth. While findings are promising, additional evaluations of this and other prevention education programs directed at CSE are needed to build the knowledge of what works to effectively prevent CSE among youths.