Web-Based Survey of Human Trafficking (HT) Program Stakeholders

Texas has become a frequent destination for human trafficking (HT) activities, and has the highest number of HT victims identified. Mosaic Family Services (MFS), a nonprofit community-based organization in North Texas, has served the victims of human trafficking living in Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond. It receives strong support from stakeholders/communities, although there is a lack of knowledge as at what level the stakeholders perceive the Program as being effective. To identify potential areas for service improvement, we conducted a survey using information technology to assess program effectiveness. A Web-based survey is developed to collect and analyze data of key communities/stakeholders to help MFS address human trafficking issues, continue to enhance capacity of identifying victims, and improve comprehensive services. Questionnaire includes issues on shelter, counseling services, legal services, refugee health clinic and law enforcement on human trafficking victims. Stakeholders were sent an email invitation to participate in an online questionnaire. See http://www.utsurvey.org/ht/welcome/index.cfm?HTID=test. Two follow up emails were sent in a two-week interval. Five stakeholders (50%) of the 10 invited stakeholders completed the survey. On their experience in collaborating with human trafficking program, all agreed that “working together in joining planning and activities is helpful for providing better assistance to HT victims”. Mostly agreed that “having experience in working with victims of human trafficking/human trafficking program”, “financial resources to provide services to victims/human trafficking issues” is important, and “Identifying and using the skills/experiences of members” is effective. On the experience in collaboration with human trafficking programs, most identified that “communication” and “inter-agency networking/collaboration” are key challenges to overcome, and continued “training” could enhance service delivery. Continued collaboration and open communication are very important in improving HT program. Compared to conventional paper, face-to-face methods of evaluation, Web-based surveys provide a feasible, convenient alternative approach for data collection and analysis.