Program to prevent child sex trafficking in Kentucky middle schools
RCT to Evaluate Bystander-informed CSTOP Now! to Prevent Child Sex Trafficking in Kentucky Middle Schools
This study is testing a new program in Kentucky middle schools to see if training staff can help prevent child sex trafficking and improve their ability to respond to it.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 5408 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kentucky Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lexington, Kentucky) |
| Trial ID | NCT05722769 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on preventing child commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking (CST) by implementing a multi-level bystander-informed program called CSTOP Now! in public middle schools across Kentucky. The study will randomize 50 counties, with half receiving the intervention and the other half serving as a control group. Staff in participating schools will undergo online training and complete surveys to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to intervene regarding child sexual exploitation and trafficking. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of this training in enhancing staff awareness and response capabilities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are public middle school staff in Kentucky.
Not a fit: Staff from private schools or those not involved in the intervention or control schools will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce the incidence of child sex trafficking by empowering school staff to recognize and intervene in potential cases.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been various initiatives aimed at preventing child exploitation, this specific multi-level bystander-informed approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Kentucky middle school staff in a public school * Kentucky middle school staff in the intervention or attention control schools/counties. Exclusion Criteria: * Kentucky middle school staff not in intervention or attention control schools/counties.
Where this trial is running
Lexington, Kentucky
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ann L. Coker, PhD, MPH — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Ann Coker, PhD, MPH
- Email: ann.coker@uky.edu
- Phone: 859-323-0429
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.