Evaluation of Independent Child Trafficking Advocates Trial: Final Report

The evaluation of the Independent Child Trafficking Advocates (ICTA) trial focused on the effectiveness of an advocacy scheme for trafficked children in England, as part of the Modern Slavery Act. The ICTA service, run by Barnardo's, aimed to support trafficked children through various means, including coordination with protection networks and overseeing the National Referral Mechanism process. The evaluation employed interviews, focus groups, surveys, case file analysis, and Barnardo's records to assess the service's implementation, role, and impact. Although the service was generally viewed positively and advocates were seen as valuable in supporting children's well-being, the trial faced challenges such as resistance from authorities, limited legal powers, and difficulties in ensuring safe accommodations. The service did not significantly reduce the number of missing children, particularly among Vietnamese nationals. Recommendations from the evaluation included further research on advocacy effectiveness, improvements in referral processes, and better transitions to other services or independent living. The trial showed that while advocates added value to existing services and improved decision-making, there is a need for more time to evaluate long-term benefits and areas for improvement in the service's implementation and monitoring. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Home Office (Home Office)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation; Process evaluation
• Impact methods: Theory-based methods
• Theory-based methods: Other
• Process methods: Focus groups or group interviews; Individual interviews; Other; Other; Other; Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: December 2015

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes