#United States #Human Trafficking #Sacramento #3Strands Global Foundation #PROTECT Program

3Strands Global Foundation's PROTECT Program Achieves Evidence-Based Status

In a significant breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation, the 3Strands Global Foundation (3SGF) has announced that its PROTECT program has achieved the esteemed designation of being evidence-based. This recognition comes after a thorough independent evaluation led by Dr. Erin McCauley, funded by the CDC, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in enhancing the ability of school staff to identify, report, and respond to incidents of human trafficking.

A Landmark Achievement

The PROTECT program aims to equip school staff with vital knowledge and skills necessary to combat trafficking in schools. According to the evaluation, the program has reached over 138,000 adults and more than 843,000 students, making a substantial impact on raising awareness about human trafficking in education settings. The results indicate not just an increase in knowledge, but also a measurable transformation in attitudes and responses among educators.

The study found remarkable enhancements in school staff's confidence to recognize trafficking. Specifically, the understanding of human trafficking definitions saw an impressive increase from 87% to 98%, while the ability of staff to identify potential perpetrators surged dramatically from 22% to 86%. Additionally, recognition of vital signs and risk factors related to trafficking improved by as much as 30%.

Addressing Misconceptions

One of the key aspects of the PROTECT program is its role in debunking common myths surrounding human trafficking. The evaluation illustrated a 41% rise in staff accurately identifying that victims are not predominantly foreign-born, as well as a 44% improvement in recognizing that labor trafficking also affects U.S. citizens. Such critical insights are essential for fostering a more informed approach within educational environments.

Moreover, knowledge of reporting procedures for suspected trafficking incidents skyrocketed from 49% to 99%. Importantly, the number of staff members who have saved the National Human Trafficking Hotline in their phones rose from a mere 2% to 53%, highlighting a commitment to proactive engagement with preventive measures.

Quotes from Leadership

Ashlie Bryant, the CEO and Co-founder of 3Strands Global Foundation, expressed enthusiasm over this milestone: "Achieving 'evidence-based' status is a watershed moment for 3Strands Global Foundation, as it validates our decade-long commitment to rigorous, data-driven prevention. This designation provides the scientific foundation necessary to continue to scale PROTECT across the country. With this proof of impact, we can confidently empower school districts nationwide to implement a solution that we know without a doubt prevents trafficking and protects the most vulnerable."

The findings were recently published in ScienceDirect, detailing a structured intervention that included three training modules: Human Trafficking 101, 102, and 103. The study particularly evaluated the effectiveness of the PROTECT initiative among elementary school staff within the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD). Unlike many programs that focus solely on specialized roles, this initiative embraced all school personnel, including staff with frequent direct contact with students.

Moving Forward

As the PROTECT program looks to expand its reach beyond the 12 states currently implementing it, there is a strong sense of gratitude towards Dr. Erin McCauley for her leadership and dedication to impactful education in prevention. Amanda Taggart, VP of Prevention Education at 3SGF, added: "We are incredibly grateful for the leadership of Dr. Erin McCauley, and Dr. Rosie Reid's commitment to prevention education has been truly instrumental. Her work across the Mt. Diablo Unified School District speaks volumes about our mission."

As 3Strands Global Foundation continues its journey, the focus remains on ensuring that all educators are equipped to support students who may be experiencing human trafficking. With an approach centered around community engagement and legislative advocacy, 3SGF is paving the way toward a future where human trafficking is no longer a threat to vulnerable populations. The organization, led by Ashlie Bryant, has reached over one million individuals since its inception, bridging the gap between direct services and public policy efforts.

About 3Strands Global Foundation

3Strands Global Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world free from human trafficking. Through its three-pillar strategy—Prevent, Empower, Unite—the organization provides specialized prevention education and trauma-informed transitional support for survivors and those at risk. Located in Sacramento, California, 3SGF also serves as a hub for systemic change, advocating for policies that protect individuals from human trafficking across all demographics in society. The journey continues as they elevate knowledge, awareness, and community support to combat this pressing issue.