Resources and FAQ
Getting Started
If you are a study partner, start by logging in to the portal to create user IDs for each youth who will play Shady Grove. You may also click below to follow the step by step guide.
Implementation Resources
If you are facilitating gameplay with one or more youth, you can find implementation resources and checklists for download below.
Click the buttons below to download our guides to supporting youth who become activated while playing Shady Grove, our grounding activities guide, and templates to help you track youth Shady Grove User IDs.
The Research Project
The current pilot implementation and feasibility study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Shady Grove and examine its potential to strengthen protective skills among at-risk children and youth aged 13-17 years.
Youth who participate in the study will first complete a baseline survey assessing their knowledge of human trafficking, grooming, and online safety. Following gameplay, youth will complete a post-survey to examine changes in their knowledge as well as gauge gameplay experience, enjoyment, and perceived relevance.
The research will explore the feasibility of implementing the intervention within child welfare–affiliated settings through surveys distributed to the adults responsible for facilitating youth gameplay.
How was Shady Grove Created?
Shady Grove was developed through an iterative, participatory design process. Focus groups with youth and input from social workers who work directly with children and youth helped shape the game throughout development. Love146 brought its expertise in human trafficking prevention and its Not a Number (NAN) curriculum, XRPediatrics contributed expertise in pediatrics, health behavior change, research, and the design of game-based interventions for youth, and PreviewLabs brought its expertise in game design and development.
You can learn more about XRPediatrics and their work developing and evaluating game-based experiences for youth here.
Resources for Youth
The following hotlines are provided to youth during gameplay:
National Human Trafficking Hotline: Confidential support for anyone experiencing or at risk for trafficking.
Phone: 1-888-373-7888
Text: “BeFree” to 233733
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 24/7 support for emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or crisis.
Phone: 988
Chat: 988lifeline.org/chat
How can I access the game if my organization is not a partner in the research project?
Until the pilot implementation and feasibility study concludes, only individuals and organizations who are partnered with Love146 for the research project can access the game. If your organization would like to learn more about how to access Shady Grove, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
I am interested in bringing this to my state.
