Empowering Children at Risk of Trafficking Through a Community-Based Behavior Change Approach
Charles Hounmenou, PhD | September 21 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Research, International | Knowledge Level: Advanced
Existing evaluations of child trafficking prevention programs primarily focused on girls (e.g., Kruger et al., 2016; Murphy et al., 2016; Rothman et al., 2019). There is a need for evaluations of similar interventions for boys or both genders. This secondary data analysis assessed the impact of a 12-month-long community-based child trafficking prevention program in Bihar, India. Convenience sampling was utilized to recruit 352 girls and 325 boys in geographical areas identified as hotspots of child trafficking in
the state. Pre- and post-test surveys were used to collect data. Descriptive analyses, and independent sample t and chi-square tests were conducted to analyze changes for 8 key variables over time and across gender. The mean ages for both girls and boys in both the baseline and follow-up phases were just over 13 years old. The findings indicate that participation in the program resulted in significant differences in knowledge, self-efficacy, participation, and behavior among participants regarding child trafficking prevention. The finding about participants’ agency and confidence in reaching out for help in case of threats was one of the most positive aspects of the program. The results of this study are of value to community organizations involved or interested in creating or improving child trafficking prevention programs because this program equally focused on both girls and boys while also paying attention to the distinctive empowerment needs of each gender. The absence of transgender youth in the program will be discussed. The input of child survivors and those at risk of trafficking should be sought in the design and implementation of any child trafficking prevention initiatives.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe the changes in participants’ knowledge, skills, and behaviors from pretest to posttest based on participation in the program
· Examine the significance of the changes in the program’s outcomes based on gender
· Highlight the distinctive contributions of the study to the literature on child trafficking prevention interventions