National Evaluation of the Children's Aid Society Carrera Model Program to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

• NCJ Number: 237263
• Author(s): Susan Philliber; Jackie Kaye; Scott Herrling
• Date Published: May 2001
• Length: 20 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation; Robin Hood Foundation
• Sale Source: Philliber Research Associates (PRA)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper presents the findings from a 3-year random assignment evaluation of the Children's Aid Society, Carrera-model teen pregnancy prevention program in New York City.

Abstract

Findings from the study include: girls in teen pregnancy prevention program were more likely to choose not to have sex when pressured and had lower rates of pregnancy and births compared to girls who did not participate in the program; no significant behavioral changes were seen in the male program participants; program participants of both genders were also more likely to have received health care at some place other than the emergency room compared to youths in the control group; and young people participating in the program were significantly more likely than teens in the control group to have bank accounts, have work experience, and have increased computer skills. This paper presents the findings from a 3-year random assignment evaluation of the Children's Aid Society, Carrera-model teen pregnancy prevention program in New York City. The program was established at 12 sites throughout the city and was open to adolescents, aged 13-15, not currently in an after-school program, and not currently parenting or pregnant. The program has five components to assist students: a work-related intervention, an educational intervention, family life and sex education, self-expression through the arts, and lifetime individual sports, along with opportunities for comprehensive medical care, reproductive health counseling, availability of contraception, and mental health services. The goal of the program is to provide these services to the students for 12 months of the year, every year through high school. The results of the evaluation indicate that the Carrera program is effective at significantly reducing the rate of teen pregnancy, and thus decreasing the number of teen births. Other positive outcomes from the program include young people's improved access to medical care and higher rates of participation in the work force. 9 tables