Evaluating a program to prevent human trafficking among youth
Official title: CE-23-003 - Taking A Public Health Perspective on Human Trafficking: An Evaluation of the PROTECT Prevention Program
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10900437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well the PROTECT program helps keep kids safe from human trafficking by teaching them and their families about protective measures, and it's for anyone interested in making sure young people are safe and informed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $147,699 |
| NIH project number | 5K01CE003539-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include youth, particularly those from vulnerable populations such as women, racial and ethnic minorities, and those who have experienced prior violence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not youth or who do not belong to vulnerable populations may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research evaluates the PROTECT program, which aims to prevent human trafficking by promoting protective factors and increasing awareness among youth, families, and schools. The program has already reached over 700,000 students and nearly 90,000 adults, but this evaluation seeks to independently assess its effectiveness. Using a randomized control trial design, the research will analyze how well the program works in preventing human trafficking and improving the overall safety and wellbeing of participants. The project is led by an early-career investigator with support from experienced mentors in violence prevention research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for human trafficking, ultimately enhancing the safety and wellbeing of youth.
How similar studies have gone: While the PROTECT program has been widely implemented, this independent evaluation is novel as it seeks to rigorously assess its effectiveness for the first time.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccauley, Erin J — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Mccauley, Erin J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.