Evaluation of the Not A Number Trafficking Prevention Program in Minnesota

NCT07503912 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 3 other identifiers: UNH-16-FY2023_193-015 U01CE003406-04-005U01CE003406-04
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 450
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

Although the exact scope of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) remains unknown, its significant negative physical and emotional consequences for children has been well-documented. The U.S. government recognized the need for improved CSEC prevention over two decades ago and recent legislation has been introduced to further increase funding for prevention programs. However, there is little evaluation research to guide communities on best practices, and questions remain about how to most effectively approach primary prevention for CSEC. This study involves a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluation of the Not a Number (NAN)- a CSEC prevention program. NAN, developed by the non-profit organization Love 146, is delivered nationally with a unique train-the-trainer model in Minnesota to reach youth at heightened risk for CSEC victimization. The RCT will be conducted at 32 implementation sites (15 youth enrolled as participants per site, N=480), with sites randomly assigned to an implementation or a wait-list control condition. We will examine a range of program outcomes, including a reduction in CSEC victimization (primary outcome), through a pre-test/post-test design (follow-up data collection at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months).

Conditions

Commercial Sexual Exploitation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• commercial sexual exploitation victimization

  Measurement of the key outcome of interest is collected via survey questions. A single question was designed to capture the outcome in the survey: ● Have you traded sex or sexual activity for money or other items of value? The item is embedded in a larger scale developed by the team to capture general exposure to commercial sexual exploitation.

  prior six months

Study Arms (2)

Exposure to the Not a Number Prevention Education Program

EXPERIMENTAL

The Not a Number (NAN) trafficking prevention program was developed by the non-profit, anti-trafficking program Love 146. It is an interactive, 5-module curriculum developed for youth ages 12-18, designed to help prevent youth human trafficking and exploitation by: 1) providing information on human trafficking and exploitation; 2) teaching youth to recognize recruitment tactics and understand vulnerability; 3) practicing refusal skills with youth that can help them avoid or reduce risk; 4) identifying healthy support systems; 4) teaching skills to navigate potential and existing exploitative situations; and 5) increasing youth awareness of community helping resources. The developers worked to integrate components associated with effective prevention programs generally, including varied teaching methods, sufficient dosage, opportunities for positive relationships, and developmental and socio-cultural relevance.

Behavioral: Trafficking Prevention Education for Youth

30 minute Mindfulness Training program

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

Youth in control condition groups will receive a 30-minute mindfulness training program designed by one of the research staff members.

Behavioral: Mindfulness Training

Interventions

Mindfulness Training BEHAVIORAL

30 minute mindfulness training program for youth designed by research staff

30 minute Mindfulness Training program

Trafficking Prevention Education for Youth BEHAVIORAL

The Trafficking Prevention Program involves 5 60 minute lesson modules

Exposure to the Not a Number Prevention Education Program

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 13 Years - 17 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Age only

You may not qualify if:

• None

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of New Hampshire: lead
• University of Minnesota: collaborator

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 6, 2026
• First Posted: March 31, 2026
• Study Start: April 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 30, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 30, 2027
• Last Updated: March 31, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03