If the CHANCE program were highly successful, success would mean that adolescents who are survivors of human trafficking experience lasting emotional healing, safety, and self-sufficiency. Youth would show stronger self-worth, consistent school or job engagement, and the ability to form trusting relationships with supportive adults. Families and foster caregivers would also demonstrate improved understanding of trauma and provide stable, nurturing environments. Ultimately, success would be reflected in youth achieving long-term independence free from re-exploitation and building hopeful, empowered futures.
Desired Outcomes
If resources and time were unlimited, two ideal outcomes to measure would be reduction in trauma-related symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress) and improvement in long-term life stability (education, employment, or independent living). These outcomes are essential indicators of program effectiveness because they reflect both emotional recovery and practical reintegration into society. Demonstrating progress in these areas would show that the CHANCE program not only provides short-term safety but also supports long-term resilience and success for youth who have experienced severe trauma.
Measurement Ideas
To capture these outcomes, a combination of quantitative and qualitative tools could be used. Standardized assessments such as the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool or PTSD Checklist (PCL) could measure emotional recovery, while follow-up surveys and case reviews could track education or employment milestones. Qualitative interviews or focus groups with youth and caregivers could provide deeper insight into feelings of safety, belonging, and empowerment. Observational notes from therapists or case managers could also offer valuable behavioral data on trust-building and coping progress.
Ethical and Practical Considerations
Collecting data from this population presents important ethical and practical challenges. Protecting youth privacy is critical, especially since participants are survivors of trafficking and may fear judgment or retraumatization. Participation in surveys or interviews must be entirely voluntary, with clear consent and confidentiality safeguards. Emotional distress could arise during discussions of past trauma, requiring trauma-informed evaluation methods and access to therapeutic support. Practically, maintaining follow-up with youth after they leave the program may be difficult, which could lead to missing data or incomplete long-term outcomes. Balancing the need for useful data with respect for participant well-being is essential.
References
Fink, A. (2015). Evaluation fundamentals: Insights into program effectiveness, quality, and value (3rd ed.). Sage.
National Youth Advocate Program. (n.d.). CHANCE (Florida): Citrus Helping Adolescents Negatively Impacted by Commercial Exploitation (CHANCE).
