Date of Conferral
10-17-2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Human Services
Advisor
Sarah Matthey
Abstract
Human trafficking is a global crisis that impacts individuals across all cultures and communities. The purpose of this single intrinsic case study was to explore the interventions that human service professional directors use to prevent human trafficking in Missouri. Trauma-informed approach was used as the conceptual framework. Participants included seven human service managers and program directors who have successfully implemented interventions to prevent human trafficking. Data were collected from one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with six participants. The data were analyzed using Yin’s five components of data analysis. Seven key themes emerged: the need for multiagency human service collaboration to prevent human trafficking, the need for education on defining human trafficking for middle and high school youth, using human trafficking survivor's insight and strategies to prevent future human trafficking, addressing the stability needs of victims to avoid returning to traffickers, human service providers using strategies that do not apply an overemphasis on criminal justice is more effective for prevention, human service professionals need continuous education on ever changing human trafficking trends, and community engagement is necessary for prevention. These findings align with the social determinants of health by emphasizing the importance of stability, education, and community support in reducing vulnerability to trafficking. The study contributes to positive social change by empowering communities and professionals to more effectively combat human trafficking, ultimately reducing the incidence of this pervasive crime.
Recommended Citation
James, Danielle, "Interventions Human Service Professionals Provide to Prevent Human Trafficking" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16491.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16491
