Human trafficking requires effective victim identification mechanisms. Current screening tools show varying effectiveness, often failing to capture diverse survivor experiences, particularly across demographic or cultural backgrounds. This pilot study introduces the Focus Adult Screener (FAS) to address these identification gaps. The research evaluated the screener through a comprehensive literature review and focus groups with survivors and professional providers. This approach ensured sensitivity to survivor experiences while incorporating trauma-informed, culturally competent perspectives. The study surveyed 315 participants from Lucas County, Ohio through five community organizations over four months, employing Item Response Theory and Exploratory Factor Analysis. Preliminary results demonstrate significant effectiveness, with the FAS accurately identifying 161 human trafficking victims among the 315 participants. This successful differentiation between victims and non-victims provides strong initial validation for the tool’s classification accuracy and diagnostic capabilities. The findings highlight the value of stakeholder input in development. The FAS shows promise in addressing gaps in trafficking response systems. Unlike many existing tools, this screener was specifically normed on a population that included confirmed trafficking victims, strengthening its validity for practical application. Future research should continue validation across diverse contexts and populations to refine its effectiveness further. This pilot study establishes a robust foundation for a reliable victim identification instrument, potentially improving support mechanisms and enhancing broader anti-trafficking efforts through accurate early identification.
Dr. Rosario Allen is the Director of Research for The University of Toledo Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge from many diverse roles in the fields of education, research, and nursing. She has numerous journal and book chapter publications, podcasts, social media interviews, and presentations, she has been recognized for her forensic nursing expertise.
Dr. James Andretta develops adolescent and adult forensic mental health assessments in the Portland, Oregon area through Bridgetown Psychological, LLC. James is board-certified in forensic psychology by the American Board of Forensic Psychology. In addition to clinical work, James has published 50+ manuscripts across a wide variety of subjects.