AND Discussion This report describes the formative work undertaken for the evaluation of the Mayor’s Task Force on Anti-Human Trafficking. Specifically, information learned during this process illustrates both challenges and promising strategies for Task Force operations. A key strength of this formative phase of the evaluation is the variety of perspectives represented. Diversity was achieved by incorporating the use of both quantitative and qualitative data collection, a review of historical documents, and interviewing a range of Task Force members. Finally, the participatory approach ensured that the methods and data collection tools were informed by people who have experienced trafficking. We also acknowledge a key limitation of this formative work, which is that the members and actions of this Task Force may not represent those of other task forces throughout the United States. In the context of these strengths and limitations, we offer several summary observations. The DOSW was identified as having done an excellent job thus far, and absorbs the bulk of the responsibility overseeing the Task Force with limited staffing and a rotation of interns. Recognizing the limited funding that supports the Task Force, its ability to actualize identified needs in San Francisco is remarkable. Although many of the successes identified can no longer be solely attributed to the Task Force, they likely would not have come to fruition without having been identified during meetings and benefitted from the Task Force’s ground work that positions members to successfully advocate for funding. When asked what concerns people have about the evaluation, the primary response was that nothing will happen with the evaluation findings. A number of interviewees had no concerns about the evaluation process, but raised concerns about the actions of the Task Force. One member expressed a need to know if unintentional harm has been caused by any Task Force actions or responses. Some members are concerned that the current framework for how trafficking is addressed is inherently problematic and focused too heavily on juvenile sex trafficking. Task Force members who were interviewed during this formative phase all expressed interest in receiving feedback about what is working well, areas for improvement, and suggestions for moving forward. Interviewees were appreciative that the voices of a diversity of agency representatives, spanning government agencies, advocates and survivors, will be highlighted in the evaluation. Their hope is that the evaluation will initiate more thoughtful and inclusive Task Force activities and goals. They requested that the evaluation highlight strengths and limitations, provide recommendations for moving forward, and continue to include survivor input in the form of peer research staff and
AND Discussion This report describes the formative work undertaken for the evaluation of the Mayor’s Task Force on Anti-Human Trafficking. Specifically, information learned during this process illustrates both challenges and promising strategies for Task Force operations. A key strength of this formative phase of the evaluation is the variety of perspectives represented. Diversity was achieved by incorporating the use of both quantitative and qualitative data collection, a review of historical documents, and interviewing a range of Task Force members. Finally, the participatory approach ensured that the methods and data collection tools were informed by people who have experienced trafficking. We also acknowledge a key limitation of this formative work, which is that the members and actions of this Task Force may not represent those of other task forces throughout the United States. In the context of these strengths and limitations, we offer several summary observations. The DOSW was identified as having done an excellent job thus far, and absorbs the bulk of the responsibility overseeing the Task Force with limited staffing and a rotation of interns. Recognizing the limited funding that supports the Task Force, its ability to actualize identified needs in San Francisco is remarkable. Although many of the successes identified can no longer be solely attributed to the Task Force, they likely would not have come to fruition without having been identified during meetings and benefitted from the Task Force’s ground work that positions members to successfully advocate for funding. When asked what concerns people have about the evaluation, the primary response was that nothing will happen with the evaluation findings. A number of interviewees had no concerns about the evaluation process, but raised concerns about the actions of the Task Force. One member expressed a need to know if unintentional harm has been caused by any Task Force actions or responses. Some members are concerned that the current framework for how trafficking is addressed is inherently problematic and focused too heavily on juvenile sex trafficking. Task Force members who were interviewed during this formative phase all expressed interest in receiving feedback about what is working well, areas for improvement, and suggestions for moving forward. Interviewees were appreciative that the voices of a diversity of agency representatives, spanning government agencies, advocates and survivors, will be highlighted in the evaluation. Their hope is that the evaluation will initiate more thoughtful and inclusive Task Force activities and goals. They requested that the evaluation highlight strengths and limitations, provide recommendations for moving forward, and continue to include survivor input in the form of peer research staff and
Formative%20Report_final_1december2016_0.docx