Youth First
Young people today are faced with many confusing and mixed messages about sexuality, yet there are very few places where they can get the honest facts and a chance to discuss their real feelings. The result: youth often lack the skills and information they need to avoid the serious risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
Program Components
Youth First is a comprehensive, multi-dimensional program designed in partnership with Philadelphia area middle and high schools to help young people make responsible decisions about their sexuality and health. Youth First consists of six specific components:
- comprehensive, age- specific sexuality education
- Social service and counseling
- referrals to youth- friendly health services
- professional development for teachers and administrators
- parent education and support
Sexuality Education
Students participate in a 15- to 25-hour, comprehensive, interactive, sexuality education program taught by PPSP staff. The curriculum, Steps Toward Adolescence , is specifically designed for young people aged 9 to 12. Typically the curriculum is taught once or twice a week in a regularly scheduled classroom. In most of the schools, all the students in a grade are taught the curriculum. Each year of the curriculum builds on the previous year's lessons.
In grade 6, students learn about puberty, peer pressure, reproduction, and prevention of unintended pregnancy/disease. They also learn decision-making, communication, and negotiation skills. In grade 8, the curriculum introduces values clarification, healthy relationships, and date rape/sexual violence while building on reproduction, prevention of unintended pregnancy/disease, and the decision-making/communication/negotiation skills learned earlier.
Social Services
In an informal setting (hallway, lunchroom, cafeteria, playground, etc.), PPSP Social Services staff provide counseling, assessment, and referrals for students and families identified as high risk. Social Services are offered in each of the Youth First schools three to five hours a week. Social Services providers also work with students in small support group settings throughout the school year.
Medical Services
Young people in Youth First have facilitated access to routine gynecological exams, pregnancy tests, birth control, and testing/treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Youth First staff informs young people about the importance of preventive health care, facilitate appointment making, provide referrals for care and information about the different aspect of a typical medical visit.
Parental Involvement
PPSP staff provides information and support for parents and families of Youth First participants. All parents are mailed an initial back-to-school letter outlining the program and inviting them to contact PPSP staff with any questions. During the course of the school year, parents are mailed a series of postcards that provide information on the typical areas discussed in class. These postcards provide tips to help parents start conversations at home about sexuality.
Professional Training
Teachers and administrators at Youth First schools are provided one-on-one support and information to enhance their comfort, knowledge, and approachability on issues related to young people and sexual health. Teachers are provided with cross-curricula handouts designed to reinforce the lessons in the Steps Toward Adolescence programs.
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