An evaluation framework for USAID-funded TIP prevention and victim protection programs : final report

An evaluation framework is an analytic tool designed to provide technical guidance for meaningful, reliable, and valid evaluation of specific program outcomes and impact. Prevention programs support campaigns focusing on public awareness, education, advocacy, income generation, and demand reduction. Protection and victim assistance programs provide shelters and targeted services for identified and potential victims of trafficking. Although there is near universal agreement about the fact that we must improve the impact evaluation of anti-TIP programs in order to enhance understanding of what works and what does not, limited information is available on how to do this. The purpose of this report, therefore, is to provide concrete guidance on how to evaluate anti-TIP programs to those who are designing and implementing such programs. In preparing this report the authors conducted a review of evaluation frameworks, current evaluation literature and handbooks, and case studies related to anti-TIP initiatives. This report is intended to complement a number of previous reviews of counter-trafficking programs and proposals for indicators by providing a framework for evaluating anti-TIP programs typically implemented with USAID funding. It should also be noted that the report was written for USAID and the staff of its implementing partner organizations. It is designed to help them understand what is involved in evaluating anti-TIP program impact and to provide specific suggestions when planning evaluations. The report is divided into five sections: (1) Foundations of an evaluation framework; (2) Design strategies for evaluating an anti-TIP program; (3) Challenges to and recommendations for evaluating anti-TIP programs; (4) Sample plan for evaluating a TIP prevention program; and (5) Sample Plan for evaluating a victims of trafficking (VoT) protection program. (Author abstract, modified)