The Achieving Independence Center (AIC) is a one-stop center for youth transitioning out of the Philadelphia foster care system. We work alongside a variety of other agencies providing the services and support that youth need to successfully transition into adulthood. This includes academic support, job-readiness training, mentoring, and, of course, sexuality education.
PPSP employs a variety of approaches to meet the needs of AIC members. Our services include:
Individual Support
Concerns about sex, relationships, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections can be especially difficult for young people to share with adults in their lives. To help support youth at the center, PPSP offers confidential one-on-one counseling services.
Sexuality Education
Planned Parenthood staff and trained AIC Peer Educators facilitate sexuality education workshops on an on-going basis.
Our nine-session "Healthy Relationships" curriculum covers a variety of subjects including: sexual identity, sexual orientation, sexual anatomy, sexual health exams, reproduction, birth control, teen parenting, pregnancy options, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS, dating violence, communication, and relationships.
Peer Education
PPSP offers an exciting Peer Education program for AIC members. AIC members are hired and trained to effectively educate their peers about sexual health and other sexuality concerns. Peer Educators co-facilitate daily workshops and counsel their peers on an informal basis. In return for their hard work and participation, Peer Educators are paid a monthly stipend.
Health Access
PPSP offers confidential referrals to health services for all AIC members. Staff will escort any youth who request it to their appointments. PPSP staff also guide tours to the Planned Parenthood reproductive health clinics in Center City. These tours help to ease members' access to care by familiarizing them with the clinic environment and services.
STI Testing
PPSP offers on-site testing for sexually transmitted infections for AIC members and their partners. Staff from PPSP's health centers administer tests as well as counsel youth during the testing process.