Document Type
DNP Project
Publication Date
4-2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Faculty Advisor
Sylvie Rosenbloom, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CDCES
Practice Mentor
Gloria Ivonne Moreno-Rodriguez, LCSW
Abstract
Background
Human trafficking (HT) is a public health problem that advances the spread of disease and mental health issues and affects vulnerable populations including immigrants. HT screening tools are more reliable than clinical judgment in identifying HT victims, as even victims themselves are sometimes unaware of their own victimhood. To reduce the instances of victims being missed, HT screening tools have been validated to identify victims without the influence of personal bias.
Project Goals
1. Choose and implement a HT education module for staff.
2. Implement the AHTST for all new arrivals and from the months of November 2023 through January 2024.
3. Develop an action plan to implement when potential HT victims are identified.
Methods
SOAR online HT modules and Safe Horizon live training were selected to educate administering staff. The Adult Human Trafficking Screening Tool (AHTST) was selected and was readily available in both English and Spanish. The AHTST was incorporated into the organization’s electronic screening software to administer to all ‘new arrivals’ clients. Safety plans were created by social work in case of identifying an HT victim. The number of clients seen, number of clients given the screening, number of clients who refused it, and number of HT victims identified were reported by the manager of clinical social work (MCSW) to the DNP student biweekly via email over a 12-week period.
Results
Of the 90 new arrival clients, 61 individuals (68%) were screened by the AHTST. Of these individuals, 27 (44%) screened positive for HT. Upon further evaluation, no individuals reported being actively trafficked. The individuals who screened positive were found to be victims of domestic violence or have had a history of HT. These individuals were referred to the appropriate resources and in some instances were eligible to apply for asylum status in the United States. Individuals who were not screened either refused screening or were in a situation deemed emergent by social workers and did not warrant a comprehensive screening process at the time.
Conclusion
The AHTST was an effective way for social workers to have conversations about HT and trauma with clients during their limited time together. Though no current HT victims were identified, the screening tool was effective in identifying potential victims. 44% of individuals screened reported a history of HT outside of the U.S. or reported being victims of domestic violence during the screening process. The participating organization opted to continue uninterrupted use of the screening tool following the project implementation. Useful changes that could be made to the process would include the implementation of domestic violence specific education and an improved follow-up process for individuals who were missed during their initial visit due to an emergent situation.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Cooper, C. (2024). Implementation of a human trafficking screening tool in an immigrant services organization [Unpublished DNP project]. Sacred Heart University.
Comments
A DNP project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice, Sacred Heart University Davis & Henley College of Nursing.