By Diana Weggler
This photo was selected and provided to case workers to be used as a prompt for conversation in case participants didn’t come forward with any pictures. Having some “stock” photos available to discuss in client-caseworker meetings helped to build rapport and improved sharing of experiences than speaking without a photo.
The photovoice method has been used very successfully as a way to give a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. Since late 2020 PhotovoiceWorldwide co-founder Dr. Laura S. Lorenz has been working with the Broward County Nancy J. Cotterman Center in Florida to train case coordinators in how to use photovoice with their clients, specifically, individuals who have experienced human trafficking.
One primary benefit of the photovoice method has been its effectiveness in opening up the lines of communication between victims of human trafficking and their caseworkers. “Asking clients to take photos and talk about them helps clinicians and clients to quickly develop rapport,” says Lorenz.
Confirms one case coordinator, “Two of my clients I utilized photovoice with seemed to engage better when telling their stories, regrets, frustrations, etc., than if we were to use more traditional methods, such as typical clinical sessions, assessments, etc.”
Case coordinators also report that providing an alternative method for survivors to share their experiences has had a profound impact. Says one, “The images help them to better interpret how they feel about specific past circumstances, which in turn allows them to create better choices and responses to potential unfortunate circumstances in the future.”
This photo was selected and provided to case workers to be used as a prompt for conversation in case participants didn’t come forward with any pictures. Having some “stock” photos available to discuss in client-caseworker meetings helped to build rapport and improved sharing of experiences than speaking without a photo.
And, for at least one client, the use of the photovoice method has had an empowering effect, according to another case coordinator. “I was actually very surprised at the information she did share with me. It seemed to flow quite comfortably, and we were able to engage a bit and process how it felt for her to share her story on her own terms.”
In addition to enhancing the Center’s understanding of gaps and strengths in the system of care, the photovoice results are providing real-time data for evidence-based improvements, which are then included in reports to the funder.
“Our work is ongoing,” Lorenz says, “as case coordinators continue to evaluate new services.”
For this partnership, PhotovoiceWorldwide is providing the following:
- Training of case coordinators and their supervisors in the photovoice method
- Technical assistance in adapting photovoice to an evaluation of Department of Justice-funded services to address human trafficking
- The creation of a deck of photos for case coordinators to use with clients in the event they do not bring their own photos
- Technical assistance on ways to address unexpected challenges in data collection
- Coordination with project leaders on a regular basis
This project is supported by a grant from the US Department of Justice.