AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and the Runaway Teenager (From North American Directory of Programs for Runaways, Homeless Youth and Missing Children, P 4-12, 1988, by Virginia K Hines -- See NCJ-113074)

• NCJ Number: 113075
• Author(s): L Williams
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: American Youth Work Ctr
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Although adolescents currently account for less than 1 percent of reported acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases, experts believe that they may be the next high-risk group because teens, especially runaways, tend to experiment with both sex and drugs.

Abstract

In 1987, 27 percent of adolescents at a New York City shelter for runaways tested positive for AIDS antibodies. Teaching youth about AIDS is difficult; reaching street kids with AIDS prevention messages is even more problematical. Outreach and shelter workers agree that the 'just say no' approach is ineffective with street kids. They have given out condoms and flyers on AIDS risk reduction. They emphasize the importance of using adolescents' own language. The Streetwork Project, an outreach program in New York City uses food to make casual contacts with street kids. Despite their freewheeling sexual behaviors, adolescents often are ignorant about sex, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, evidence from programs in the military and the gay community suggests that AIDS education can be effective in getting individuals to modify their risky behaviors. A national AIDS hotline and a variety of public information materials on AIDS and its transmissions and prevention are available. Public and private organizations offering information, services, and other resources on AIDS and adolescents are listed.