CCF: Teen Pregnancy/STD Prevention Work Group Recommendations

Build on proven interventions by expanding good local programs and initiating programs shown to be effective in other localities.

Focus on each adolescent as a whole person by offering programming that addresses social, emotional, intellectual, individual, and biological aspects.

Improve communication about sexuality and reproductive health by encouraging adults and the media to provide clear, constructive, consistent support of the prevention message.

Increase spending on prevention programs by public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, recognizing the cost-effectiveness of such efforts.

Coordinate community prevention efforts by funding a professional, who will also assist with special events, information dissemination, program evaluation, and grant applications.

Strengthen parents' ability to communicate with their children of all ages about developmental issues and to articulate their own values about sexuality by offering support and educational opportunities for parents.

Expand existing highly effective programs to provide a seamless continuum of services for youth of all ages in our community.

Improve the implementation of Family Life Education curricula in schools by, among other things, adding skills building and enhancing teacher training.

Expect health care providers to play a more active role in educating youth and parents about reproductive health and prevention of teen pregnancy and STDs