 Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program
In 1984, Dr. Michael A. Carrera and The Children's Aid Society (CAS) developed an Adolecent Pregnancy Prevention Program that uses a holistic approach to empower youth, to help them develop personal goals and the desire for a productive future, in addition to developing their sexual activity. CAS-Carrera works with boys and girls 11-12 years old and follows them through high school and beyond. Guided by a philosophy that sees youth as "at promise" instead of "at risk," CAS-Carrera works to develop a participant's capacity and desire to avoid pregnancy. The program model also provides opportunity for young people to discover interests and develop talents, as well as emphasizing education and employment. CAS-Carrera sees the sum of these activities as having a contraceptive effect.
The model includes seven fundamental components:
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Education: Daily engagement includes one-on-one or small group tutoring, PSAT and SAT preparation, and college trips. Individual academic plans for participants are developed.
- Employment: Weekly job Club class is a full introduction to financial literacy and the "world of work," including opening bank accounts, exploring career choices and providing summer and part-time-jobs. Participants are paid a stipend and make monthly deposits in their bank accounts.
- Family Life and Sexuality Education (FLSE): Weekly medically and scientifically comprehensive sexuality education sessions are taught in an age-appropriate fashion.
- Mental Health Services: Weekly discussion sessions called Power Groups are led by certified social workers. 24 hour counseling and crisis intervention as needed.
- Full Medical and Dental Care: Comprehensive medical and dental services are provided in partnership with local providers.
- Self-Expression: Multiple exposure to music, dance, writing, and drama workshops are led by theater and art professionals, where children can discover talents and build self-esteem.
- Lifetime Individual Sports: Multiple exposures to a program emphasizing sports that build self-discipline, impulse control and can be enjoyed throughout life, including golf, tennis, squash, swimming and bowling.
CSA-Carrera is the only 3-year fully evaluated teenage pregnancy prevention program with statistically proven effectiveness in the country, yielding a 50% reduction in both rates in communities served and a multitude of other positive youth development outcomes, including: increased likelihood of high-school graduation and college admission; increased employment experience; more bank accounts; and increased use of private physicians instead of emergency rooms.
Carrera Workshops
Parental Family Life and Sexuality Education - Tuesday evenings from 6-8PM, starting January 15th
The Children’s Aid Society National Training Center and the Opportunity Charter School are pleased to invite you to be part of a no cost course for parents and community adults on Family Life and Sexuality Education. (Click for more information)
Voice For America wtih Dr. Carrera
OCS Parent graduates of: Carrera Parent Family Life and Sexuality Education
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