Rigorous Evaluation of the READY to Stand Curriculum to Prevent the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

The overall goal of this project is to conduct both a process and rigorous outcome evaluation of The Set Me Free Project (SMFP)'s READY to Stand (RTS)© curriculum with an eye toward widespread dissemination to other U.S. communities, if deemed effective. Broadly, the investigators seek to determine the effect participation has on students: reductions in commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) perpetration (the primary outcome); reductions in CSEC victimization, teen dating violence (TDV), and sexual violence victimization and perpetration; as well as increases in bystander intervention in CSEC situations compared to participants in the control condition (secondary outcomes). Process evaluation components include fidelity monitoring, post session surveys, and exit interviews. The methodology includes a community-based RCT in which youth (N=400-600) are randomly assigned to the treatment (RTS) or attention control condition (nutrition program).

Inclusion Criteria: (1) are ages 13-19; (2) reside in the greater Des Moines/Polk County community; and (3) are able to understand spoken English. Exclusion Criteria: • enrolled in either of the two schools involved in the corresponding Open Pilot Trial (NCT05988398)