Evaluation of the Not A Number Trafficking Prevention Program in Minnesota

Although the exact scope of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) remains unknown, its significant negative physical and emotional consequences for children has been well-documented. The U.S. government recognized the need for improved CSEC prevention over two decades ago and recent legislation has been introduced to further increase funding for prevention programs. However, there is little evaluation research to guide communities on best practices, and questions remain about how to most effectively approach primary prevention for CSEC.

This study involves a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluation of the Not a Number (NAN)- a CSEC prevention program. NAN, developed by the non-profit organization Love 146, is delivered nationally with a unique train-the-trainer model in Minnesota to reach youth at heightened risk for CSEC victimization.

The RCT will be conducted at 32 implementation sites (15 youth enrolled as participants per site, N=480), with sites randomly assigned to an implementation or a wait-list control condition. We will examine a range of program outcomes, including a reduction in CSEC victimization (primary outcome), through a pre-test/post-test design (follow-up data collection at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months).