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Background
Veterans may have a greater risk of experiencing human trafficking (HT) than the general population because of social aspects of health, including housing insecurity, justice involvement, food insecurity, and adverse childhood events.1-4 Since 2023, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has explored veterans’ experiences of HT through the Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Pilot Project. This quality improvement project evaluated: 1) development of clinician AHT training materials to enhance identification and response to Veterans experiencing HT, and 2) educational resources aimed at raising awareness tailored to veterans and clinicians.
Methods
South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (SCMIRECC) facilitated two focus group discussions with AHT coordinators implementing the pilot at six sites. Based on discussions and leadership input, SCMIRECC developed a training curriculum, with bi-weekly readings culminating in a two-hour workshop. Training evaluation followed Kirkpatrick’s model using questions adapted from the Provider Responses, Treatment, and Care for Trafficked People (PROTECT) Survey.5,6 Veteran-facing materials, including a brochure and whiteboard video, were reviewed by two Veteran Consumer Advisory Boards (CAB). The brochures, whiteboard video, and awareness modules were developed and revised based on feedback from focus group discussions. VA Central Office cleared all materials.
Results
Coordinators were satisfied with the training (mean, 4.20). After the training, none of the coordinators (n = 6) felt unprepared to assist Veterans (pre-training mean, 2.25; post-training mean, 1.40), and confidence in documentation improved (pre-training mean, 3.00; post-training mean, 3.40). Veteran CAB members recommended simplified language and veteran-centered messaging. The coordinators found the brochures and training useful. Recommendations included adding more representation to brochure covers, advanced training, a list of commonly asked questions, and a simplified screening tool. Barriers included delays in material development due to language guidance under recent executive orders.
Conclusions
The AHT training improved coordinators’ preparedness and confidence in supporting Veterans with trafficking experiences. Feedback emphasized the value of concise, Veteran-centered materials and a practical HT screening tool. These findings support the continued implementation of AHT education across VA settings to enhance identification and response for Veterans at risk of HT.
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. Annual Report 2023 Veterans Health Administration Homeless Programs Office.
- Tsai J, Kasprow WJ, Rosenheck RA. Alcohol and drug use disorders among homeless veterans: prevalence and association with supported housing outcomes. Addict Behav. 2014;39(2):455-460. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.02.002
- Wang EA, McGinnis KA, Goulet J, et al. Food insecurity and health: data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study. Public Health Rep. 2015;130(3):261-268. doi:10.1177/003335491513000313
- Blosnich JR, Garfin DR, Maguen S, et al. Differences in childhood adversity, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt among veterans and nonveterans. Am Psychol. 2021;76(2):284-299. doi:10.1037/amp0000755
- Kirkpatrick D. Great ideas revisited. Training & Development. 1996;50(1):54-60.
- Ross C, Dimitrova S, Howard LM, Dewey M, Zimmerman C, Oram S. Human trafficking and health: a cross-sectional survey of NHS professionals' contact with victims of human trafficking. BMJ Open. 2015;5(8):e008682. Published 2015 Aug 20. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008682
Background
Veterans may have a greater risk of experiencing human trafficking (HT) than the general population because of social aspects of health, including housing insecurity, justice involvement, food insecurity, and adverse childhood events.1-4 Since 2023, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has explored veterans’ experiences of HT through the Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Pilot Project. This quality improvement project evaluated: 1) development of clinician AHT training materials to enhance identification and response to Veterans experiencing HT, and 2) educational resources aimed at raising awareness tailored to veterans and clinicians.
Methods
South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (SCMIRECC) facilitated two focus group discussions with AHT coordinators implementing the pilot at six sites. Based on discussions and leadership input, SCMIRECC developed a training curriculum, with bi-weekly readings culminating in a two-hour workshop. Training evaluation followed Kirkpatrick’s model using questions adapted from the Provider Responses, Treatment, and Care for Trafficked People (PROTECT) Survey.5,6 Veteran-facing materials, including a brochure and whiteboard video, were reviewed by two Veteran Consumer Advisory Boards (CAB). The brochures, whiteboard video, and awareness modules were developed and revised based on feedback from focus group discussions. VA Central Office cleared all materials.
Results
Coordinators were satisfied with the training (mean, 4.20). After the training, none of the coordinators (n = 6) felt unprepared to assist Veterans (pre-training mean, 2.25; post-training mean, 1.40), and confidence in documentation improved (pre-training mean, 3.00; post-training mean, 3.40). Veteran CAB members recommended simplified language and veteran-centered messaging. The coordinators found the brochures and training useful. Recommendations included adding more representation to brochure covers, advanced training, a list of commonly asked questions, and a simplified screening tool. Barriers included delays in material development due to language guidance under recent executive orders.
Conclusions
The AHT training improved coordinators’ preparedness and confidence in supporting Veterans with trafficking experiences. Feedback emphasized the value of concise, Veteran-centered materials and a practical HT screening tool. These findings support the continued implementation of AHT education across VA settings to enhance identification and response for Veterans at risk of HT.
Background
Veterans may have a greater risk of experiencing human trafficking (HT) than the general population because of social aspects of health, including housing insecurity, justice involvement, food insecurity, and adverse childhood events.1-4 Since 2023, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has explored veterans’ experiences of HT through the Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Pilot Project. This quality improvement project evaluated: 1) development of clinician AHT training materials to enhance identification and response to Veterans experiencing HT, and 2) educational resources aimed at raising awareness tailored to veterans and clinicians.
Methods
South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (SCMIRECC) facilitated two focus group discussions with AHT coordinators implementing the pilot at six sites. Based on discussions and leadership input, SCMIRECC developed a training curriculum, with bi-weekly readings culminating in a two-hour workshop. Training evaluation followed Kirkpatrick’s model using questions adapted from the Provider Responses, Treatment, and Care for Trafficked People (PROTECT) Survey.5,6 Veteran-facing materials, including a brochure and whiteboard video, were reviewed by two Veteran Consumer Advisory Boards (CAB). The brochures, whiteboard video, and awareness modules were developed and revised based on feedback from focus group discussions. VA Central Office cleared all materials.
Results
Coordinators were satisfied with the training (mean, 4.20). After the training, none of the coordinators (n = 6) felt unprepared to assist Veterans (pre-training mean, 2.25; post-training mean, 1.40), and confidence in documentation improved (pre-training mean, 3.00; post-training mean, 3.40). Veteran CAB members recommended simplified language and veteran-centered messaging. The coordinators found the brochures and training useful. Recommendations included adding more representation to brochure covers, advanced training, a list of commonly asked questions, and a simplified screening tool. Barriers included delays in material development due to language guidance under recent executive orders.
Conclusions
The AHT training improved coordinators’ preparedness and confidence in supporting Veterans with trafficking experiences. Feedback emphasized the value of concise, Veteran-centered materials and a practical HT screening tool. These findings support the continued implementation of AHT education across VA settings to enhance identification and response for Veterans at risk of HT.
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. Annual Report 2023 Veterans Health Administration Homeless Programs Office.
- Tsai J, Kasprow WJ, Rosenheck RA. Alcohol and drug use disorders among homeless veterans: prevalence and association with supported housing outcomes. Addict Behav. 2014;39(2):455-460. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.02.002
- Wang EA, McGinnis KA, Goulet J, et al. Food insecurity and health: data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study. Public Health Rep. 2015;130(3):261-268. doi:10.1177/003335491513000313
- Blosnich JR, Garfin DR, Maguen S, et al. Differences in childhood adversity, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt among veterans and nonveterans. Am Psychol. 2021;76(2):284-299. doi:10.1037/amp0000755
- Kirkpatrick D. Great ideas revisited. Training & Development. 1996;50(1):54-60.
- Ross C, Dimitrova S, Howard LM, Dewey M, Zimmerman C, Oram S. Human trafficking and health: a cross-sectional survey of NHS professionals' contact with victims of human trafficking. BMJ Open. 2015;5(8):e008682. Published 2015 Aug 20. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008682
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. Annual Report 2023 Veterans Health Administration Homeless Programs Office.
- Tsai J, Kasprow WJ, Rosenheck RA. Alcohol and drug use disorders among homeless veterans: prevalence and association with supported housing outcomes. Addict Behav. 2014;39(2):455-460. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.02.002
- Wang EA, McGinnis KA, Goulet J, et al. Food insecurity and health: data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study. Public Health Rep. 2015;130(3):261-268. doi:10.1177/003335491513000313
- Blosnich JR, Garfin DR, Maguen S, et al. Differences in childhood adversity, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt among veterans and nonveterans. Am Psychol. 2021;76(2):284-299. doi:10.1037/amp0000755
- Kirkpatrick D. Great ideas revisited. Training & Development. 1996;50(1):54-60.
- Ross C, Dimitrova S, Howard LM, Dewey M, Zimmerman C, Oram S. Human trafficking and health: a cross-sectional survey of NHS professionals' contact with victims of human trafficking. BMJ Open. 2015;5(8):e008682. Published 2015 Aug 20. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008682