Training Initiation and Completion in a Cluster Randomized Control Trial to Reduce Child Sex Trafficking in Middle Schools

Author: Sprang, Ginny; Duncan, Meredith; Mennicke, Annelise; Willard, Jessica; Ray, Colleen; Brancato, Candace; Clear, Emily & Coker, Ann

Abstract: Child sex trafficking (CST) has significant consequences for youth, families, and communities. Developing effective strategies to engage educational staff in reducing CST is essential given the time staff spend with students. This paper identifies predictors of training initiation and completion among middle school staff (MSS) engaged in a cluster randomized control trial (cRCT) to reduce CST. Methods: Staff were invited to complete a pre-intervention survey. Among 412 consenting participants, 291 (70.6%) began and 231 (79.4%) completed the training. Results: CST attitudes predicted training initiation and completion, while cRCT condition predicted completion. Conclusions: Strategies to enhance training initiation and completion are highlighted.

Keywords: bystander intervention, child sex trafficking, randomized control trial, training initiation, training completion