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Clayton County Board of Health
ns ee t T n o yto t 2 N a l "C rea d!" G e R 2 ucce S
Clayton County Board of Health CCST Program 1117 Battle Creek Road Jonesboro, GA 30236 Phone: (678) 479-2220 | Fax: (770) 603-4872
www.claytoncountypublichealth.org This publication was made possible by Grant Number TP1AH000034 from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Health. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Office of Adolescent Health.
Responding to Teen Births & Pregnancy in Clayton County: A Youth Development Approach
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Letter from the Director
Our Youth. Our Future.
C
layton County Board of Health (CCBOH) recognizes that there are a variety of variables that can contribute to a teen
becoming pregnant. Efforts to address teen pregnancy through the diffusion of evidence-based interventions are strengthened by complimentary youth development programming. Addressing teen pregnancy and breaking the cycle of poverty
associated with it requires community collaboration and approaches that address the whole teen, not just the problem. That is why CCBOH is so passionate about Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) and the interventions provided by Wyman's Teen Outreach Program® (TOP). Sexual risk-taking among teens is a complex cultural issue, reflecting that many young people are struggling against great odds to build healthy, productive lives. CCST's approach is to empower youth by providing constructive growth and development opportunities leading to positive outcomes. This report frames the teen birth and pregnancy challenges in Clayton County and offers CCST as a positive change agent for Clayton County’s youth. CCBOH and CCST truly believe that our youth are our future. As we enter the final two years of CCST implementation, we hope to inspire even more dialogue and community partnerships around youth development. We hope this report encourages you to become as passionate about youth development as we are. Alpha Fowler Bryan, M.D. Clayton County District Health Director Principal Investigator, Wyman Champion
As of July 2013, CCST:
Has served: More than 1300 youth Has sponsored: 37 TOP® Clubs Has collaborated with: 21 youth-serving organizations
Acknowledgements Jevon C. Gibson, MA
Alpha Fowler Bryan, MD
Program Manager Office of Coordinated Youth Services CCST Program Manager (2010-2012)
District Health Director Principal Investigator, Wyman Champion
Rosalyn K. Bacon, MPH
Michelle Batts
District Deputy Director Project Director, Wyman Champion
Marketing & PR Consultant Office of Coordinated Youth Services
Rolanda Patrick, MPH
Joel Hall
Program Manager Office of CoordinatedY outh Services CCST Program Manager
Public Information Officer Clayton County Board of Health 1
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About . . .
CCST
Year Two Highlights Sept. 1, 2011 - Aug. 31, 2012
Ten (10) program sites, hosting 13 TOP速 Clubs, served more than 300 youth for the duration of the project year. The ten sites were: Faith Open Door, Inc.; Ladies of Favor, Inc.; Clayton Center Community Service Board; Youth Empowerment Project, Inc.; Forest Park Street School/Prevention PLUS, Inc.; Riverwood Townhouses; Teens Initiating Change, Inc. (T.I.C.); Tips 4 Teens, Inc.; Hearts to Nourish Hope, Inc.; and the Jim Huie Recreation Center. CCBOH launched a comprehensive marketing and public awareness campaign targeting youth and youth-serving organizations around the county. This included earned media (newspaper and broadcast news coverage), paid media (billboards) and various outreach activities. CCST held its annual Clayton County Teen Summit on May 19, 2012. The goals of the Summit were to raise awareness of critical issues hindering positive youth development, such as teen pregnancy, youth violence and bullying; and to encourage action. Teens played a larger role in this Summit by serving as Youth Ambassadors. Approximately 400 teens and parents attended the event. CCST hosted a six-week Youth Leadership and Job Readiness Institute from June 25-August 10, 2012 to prepare youth for life after high school. CCST's Youth Services Provider Academy was conducted August 9-10, 2012, targeting organizations in and around the county. The Academy focused on raising awareness of youth development challenges, promoting constructive dialogue, and finding collective solutions. Forty-six (46) agency representatives participated in the two-day workshop. CCST hosted the Clayton County Teen Maze on August 25, 2012. Coordinated with the help of more than 30 community organizations, the Maze simulated the long-term consequences of positive and negative life choices. Stations were set up by various community agencies to expose teens to a wide range of scenarios, including a pregnancy simulation, parenthood, incarceration, having a sexually-transmitted infection, hospitalization, driving under the influence and death. More than 160 youth participated in the Teen Maze.
12
C
About Clayton County layton County is a suburban community just south of downtown Atlanta, as well as the home of the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Airport. Clayton is one of Georgia's smallest counties in land size with an area of 146 square miles. Yet, with a population of 265,888 (2012 U.S. Census estimate), it is one of the most densely populated counties.
2012 U.S. Census Figures (Clayton County, GA) Population: 265,888 Persons under 18 years of age: 28.5% Female: 52.3% White (Caucasian): 25.1% Black (African American): 67% Asian: 5.1% Other Races: 2.8% Persons who identify as Latino or Hispanic: 13.4% High school graduates: 82.1% Persons with a bachelor's degree or higher: 17.8% Homeownership rate: 59.1% Unemployment rate: 10.6% (July 2013) Persons living below the poverty level: 18.4% Median household income: $42,936
1
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About . . .
About Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH)
T
he Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH), located at 1117 Battle Creek Road in Jonesboro, GA is a
comprehensive facility dedicated to improving the overall health and safety of those living in and visiting Clayton County, Georgia through health promotion, prevention, protection and preparedness planning activities that are evidence-based and data-driven. Our broad offering of health services, health education, and outreach programs addresses a wide variety of community health issues, including infant mortality, child and youth development, obesity, sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), food safety, unintentional injuries, infectious diseases, and emergency preparedness.
C
About Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) layton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) is a holistic youth development initiative that helps Clayton County
teens, ages 12-19 years old, address issues such as teen pregnancy, poor school performance and personal/ community responsibility. The program focuses on at-risk and disadvantaged youth. Utilizing the Wyman Teen Outreach Program® (TOP) curriculum, CCST engages
youth in activities aimed at improving communication, self worth, accountability, personal and social awareness, and noncognitive abilities (life skills). CCST is an effort led by the Clayton County Board of Health.
CCST
Year One Highlights Sept. 1, 2010 - Aug. 31, 2011
CCBOH successfully recruited and hired qualified management, health education, and support staff to implement CCST. CCBOH also established a strong operational framework supported by internal controls to monitor programmatic outcomes. CCBOH identified and selected two initial TOP® Clubs to conduct a six-week pilot. Four (4) additional sites were then established to conduct a nine-week pilot of the program. CCBOH established strategic partnerships with more than a dozen youth-serving agencies in Clayton County, including the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, foster care providers, a mental health provider, faith-based organizations, academic enrichment programs and mentoring programs. CCST team members traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to receive training and certification in the use of TOP® intervention and the Changing Scenes Curriculum©. CCST established “Community Voices for Youth” to identify potential partners and TOP® Club sites. Sites were selected based on their safety; credibility and community standing; location (proximity to areas with high teen birth rates); history of providing services to youth; and organizational capacity. CCST held the first annual Clayton County Teen Summit/Expo on May 21, 2011 in order to increase community awareness of CCST teen pregnancy prevention activities, CCBOH services, and community resources that promote positive youth development. Approximately 200 teens and parents attended, gaining valuable insight through interactive workshops, breakout sessions and other activities. CCST's Youth Services Provider Academy was conducted August 29-30, 2011. More than 70 agency representatives participated in two days of training and capacity-building activities. By the end of Year 1, CCST successfully implemented its pilot program at six sites and selected 15 TOP® Club sites for Year 2 implementation.
2
11
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CCST Strategy
The Issue
“It's important that we teach our teens more than just how to say ‘no’. This approach is more about life skills— about self-esteem, communication, how to protect themselves and deal with their emotions.” -Alicia D. Akins, PhD
W
The Issue e all want our children to be successful. Studies show that one of the greatest impediments to youth success is teen pregnancy. Adolescents who give birth in
their teens are less likely to graduate from high school, less likely to attend college, and
Executive Director, Tips 4 Teens, Inc., TOP® Club Partner
more likely to live in poverty as an adult. The children of teenage mothers are also more likely to have poor school achievement and be incarcerated at some time during their
Evidence-Based Interventions Perhaps the most critical aspect of CCST's strategy is the evidence-based
adolescence.
interventions that take place within TOP® Clubs. TOP® Club facilitators are trained
Teen pregnancy rates are down nationwide. However, between 2002 and 2011 in
rigorously in the Changing Scenes Curriculum© and monitored regularly to ensure
Clayton County, teen mothers (ages 15-19) gave birth to approximately 590 babies a
fidelity and compliance with Wyman standards. TOP is a national model for youth
year. Without intervention, these teens and their children will face grave socioeconomic
development because it produces tangible, measurable results.
challenges.
®
TOP Evidence-Based Outcomes ®
Nationwide, the Wyman Teen Outreach Program curriculum has ®
demonstrated the following results EVIDENCE-BASED OUTCOMES:
1
n 53% lower risk of pregnancy n 52% lower risk of school suspension n 60% lower risk of course failure
Teen pregnancy is a complicated, multi-faceted issue with no easy solution. Decreasing teen births requires a youth development approach incorporating education, counseling, health and wellness, and applied learning. For Clayton County, Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) offers a solution.
OBSERVED OUTCOMES
n 60% lower risk of school dropout 2
The purpose of this report is to raise awareness about Clayton County's youth development challenges and show how CCST is making a positive difference in youth outcomes.
1
Philliber Research, 2001 “Who Benefits Most From A Broadly Targeted Prevention Program” Joe Allen, “Escaping the Endless Adolescent” 2009
2
The TOP® curriculum addresses important teen topics and includes four years of unduplicated, age-appropriate materials that promote the growth of self-regulatory, social and emotional skills. These skills include: n Confidence and persistence
n The ability to build and maintain positive relationships
n Critical thinking, empathy, and integrity n Communication and assertiveness n Goal setting and self evaluation n Analysis, problem solving, and decision making
10
n Self discipline and time management n Awareness of appropriate behavior
n Emotional intelligence and the ability to make healthy choices
3
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Our Challenges
I
CCST Strategy
Our Challenges n Clayton County, juvenile delinquency, gangs, and teen pregnancy threaten the well-being and future of youth and their families. In 2003, juvenile crimes in Clayton
County soared to significantly higher rates than in the 1990s. In 2007, nearly 30 percent of all arrests in Clayton County were juvenile arrests. Fiscal Year 2008 data indicates 35,528 Clayton County youth, ages 10-16, were at risk of entering the Juvenile Court system at that time.
1
Clayton County Teen Summit/Expo - In May 2011 and May 2012, CCST hosted the Clayton County Teen Summit/Expo. Coinciding with National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, these two events engaged 600 teens and parents around topics such as teen pregnancy, youth violence, bullying, decision-making, goal-setting, and child/parent communication. In addition to a variety of workshops for youth ages 10-19 and their parents, the events
Teen pregnancy rates in Clayton decreased dramatically between 1994 and 2002, but as gang involvement and delinquency increased, so did teenage pregnancy. Between 2002 and 2011, 5,864 babies in Clayton County were born to adolescent mothers, 2
approximately 590 babies a year. Those rates were highest among African Americans. At-risk youth are falling victim to the illusion of safety, protection, belonging, and purpose offered by delinquent peer groups. Seeking to stem the tide, the Clayton
included community exhibitors, musical entertainment, teen breakout sessions, wellness information, and job resources. Clayton County Teen Maze - In August 2012 and August 2013, CCST hosted the Clayton County Teen Maze. This interactive event, coordinated with the help of more than 30 community organizations, simulated the long-term consequences of positive and negative life choices. Stations set up by various community agencies exposed teens
County Board of Health set out to implement an effective teen outreach program
to a wide range of scenarios, including a
that holistically addresses the factors that lead to teen delinquency and early
pregnancy simulation, parenthood,
parenthood, such as lacking a sense of purpose, low self-esteem, and disengagement
incarceration, having a sexually-transmitted
from the community.
infection (STI), hospitalization, driving under the influence, and death. More than 160
We believe that affecting the attitudes and behaviors of young people will have a
youth participated in the first Teen Maze
transformative effect on the overall health outcomes for our community.
and more than 260 attended in 2013. Youth Services Provider Academy - CCST established the Youth Services Provider Academy specifically to educate and inform youth-serving agencies and other stakeholders about youth development as an approach to addressing teen pregnancy. Over two years, the Academy has provided 120 representatives from local youthserving organizations with information about the core principles of positive youth development, related theories, best practices, and lessons learned. It serves as a platform for raising awareness of critical issues hindering positive youth development. Community Voices for Youth - Community Voices is CCST's tool for engaging youth-serving agencies and identifying potential community partners. In scheduled meetings with CCBOH leadership, community agencies discuss their programs and services. CCST team members, in return, conduct a site visit to determine potential
Sources: 1Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, SMART Mapping System 2 Georgia Online Analytical Statistical Information System (OASIS)
4
partnership opportunities and formally assess that agency's ability to serve as a TOP速 Club site, if applicable. 9
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CCST Strategy
C
CCST Strategy layton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) uses a collaborative approach to address teen pregnancy prevention. That approach is focused on three core strategies: strategic
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IS… “The ongoing growth process in
partnerships; community mobilization; and use of evidence-based interventions.
which all youth are engaged in
Strategic Partnerships
attempting to (1) meet their
From the beginning, the Clayton County Board of Health recognized the need for CCST to establish strategic partnerships with a variety of stakeholder groups in order to sustain the work of CCST and establish county-wide support for teen pregnancy prevention. Through one-on-one meetings, sponsored events, and general outreach, CCST has forged key partnerships, which include government entities, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and the faith-based community. Strategic partners serve as advocates for youth development and many help implement the program by serving as TOP® Club sites.
basic personal and social needs to be safe, feel cared for, be valued, be useful, and be spiritually grounded, and (2) to build skills and competencies
CCST's strategic partners represent a cross-section of agencies that touch the lives of young people. They have included such organizations as: n Clayton County Public Schools
n Clayton Center Community Service Board (mental health and substance abuse facility) n TIME-ER, Inc. (leadership and education program)
that allow them to function and contribute in their daily lives." (Karen Pittman, 1993)
n Battle Creek Village Townhomes
n Greater Works Missionary Baptist Church CCST gives youth-serving agencies in Clayton County a forum through which to share perspectives on teen issues, share resources, and address community challenges. By fostering a collective sense of responsibility for helping teens achieve better outcomes, CCST is able to impact teens from various backgrounds throughout the county.
Community Mobilization Making teen pregnancy prevention a priority requires community mobilization. In order to raise awareness and unite the community around the issue of teen pregnancy prevention, CCST has organized several engaging and purposeful community events.
8
5
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A Youth Development Approach
T
Wyman's TOP® in Brief
CCST - A Youth Development Approach eenage births often have serious, long-lasting consequences, such as health, social, and emotional problems; financial challenges; and higher rates of child
abuse and neglect. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (NCPTP), nearly 70 percent of families with a teen mother live
“What I'm learning is not so much about sex. I'm really learning about who I am, how to be more aware of the choices I'm making, and how I'm going to handle myself in different situations.” - Andre Armour, 17, TOP® Club Participant
in poverty.
Wyman's TOP® in Brief
Committed to addressing academic failure, teen violence, and other issues contributing to teen pregnancy, the Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH), in 2009, applied for a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Health. In 2010, CCBOH was awarded a $4.2 million federal grant over a five-year period to establish Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST).
What is Wyman? Wyman is a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri that takes the best teen development theory and makes it real and effective in a way that builds fully
CCST helps teens develop skills that foster positive outcomes and successful transitions into adulthood. The program replicates the curriculum of Wyman's
prepared teens. Wyman has served more than 600,000 youth with programs designed to change the odds for young people from disadvantaged communities.
What is TOP®? Wyman's Teen Outreach Program® (TOP) is an evidence-based program that engages
Teen Outreach Program® (TOP), a nationally-
teens in curriculum-guided discussion and community service learning throughout the
recognized, evidence-based model proven to
year. TOP® reaches thousands of teens across the U.S. and is widely viewed as one of
develop the positive potential of teens.
the most effective and affordable methods for helping teens develop life skills, build
Utilizing curriculum-guided discussions and
confidence, and avoid risky behaviors.
community service learning, TOP helps teens ®
develop self-regulatory, social, and emotional skills at a key time in adolescent brain development. Believing that our youth are highly vulnerable and deserve to be protected,
How is TOP® implemented? Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) advances the goals and key principles of TOP® through the innovative Changing Scenes Curriculum©, which teaches decision-making, goal-setting, self evaluation, persistence, and time management. At TOP® Clubs located at various youth-serving sites throughout Clayton County, Wyman-certified facilitators
understood, nurtured, and equipped for success, CCST embraces a youth development
engage small groups of at-risk and disadvantaged youth (ages 12-19) in curriculum-
approach to teen issues.
guided exercises. Lessons include hands-on learning experiences; group discussions dominated by teens, not adults; and community service learning projects selected by the youth themselves.
6
7
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A Youth Development Approach
T
Wyman's TOP® in Brief
CCST - A Youth Development Approach eenage births often have serious, long-lasting consequences, such as health, social, and emotional problems; financial challenges; and higher rates of child
abuse and neglect. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (NCPTP), nearly 70 percent of families with a teen mother live
“What I'm learning is not so much about sex. I'm really learning about who I am, how to be more aware of the choices I'm making, and how I'm going to handle myself in different situations.” - Andre Armour, 17, TOP® Club Participant
in poverty.
Wyman's TOP® in Brief
Committed to addressing academic failure, teen violence, and other issues contributing to teen pregnancy, the Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH), in 2009, applied for a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Health. In 2010, CCBOH was awarded a $4.2 million federal grant over a five-year period to establish Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST).
What is Wyman? Wyman is a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri that takes the best teen development theory and makes it real and effective in a way that builds fully
CCST helps teens develop skills that foster positive outcomes and successful transitions into adulthood. The program replicates the curriculum of Wyman's
prepared teens. Wyman has served more than 600,000 youth with programs designed to change the odds for young people from disadvantaged communities.
What is TOP®? Wyman's Teen Outreach Program® (TOP) is an evidence-based program that engages
Teen Outreach Program® (TOP), a nationally-
teens in curriculum-guided discussion and community service learning throughout the
recognized, evidence-based model proven to
year. TOP® reaches thousands of teens across the U.S. and is widely viewed as one of
develop the positive potential of teens.
the most effective and affordable methods for helping teens develop life skills, build
Utilizing curriculum-guided discussions and
confidence, and avoid risky behaviors.
community service learning, TOP helps teens ®
develop self-regulatory, social, and emotional skills at a key time in adolescent brain development. Believing that our youth are highly vulnerable and deserve to be protected,
How is TOP® implemented? Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) advances the goals and key principles of TOP® through the innovative Changing Scenes Curriculum©, which teaches decision-making, goal-setting, self evaluation, persistence, and time management. At TOP® Clubs located at various youth-serving sites throughout Clayton County, Wyman-certified facilitators
understood, nurtured, and equipped for success, CCST embraces a youth development
engage small groups of at-risk and disadvantaged youth (ages 12-19) in curriculum-
approach to teen issues.
guided exercises. Lessons include hands-on learning experiences; group discussions dominated by teens, not adults; and community service learning projects selected by the youth themselves.
6
7
clayton teenage brochure
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Page 7
CCST Strategy
C
CCST Strategy layton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) uses a collaborative approach to address teen pregnancy prevention. That approach is focused on three core strategies: strategic
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IS… “The ongoing growth process in
partnerships; community mobilization; and use of evidence-based interventions.
which all youth are engaged in
Strategic Partnerships
attempting to (1) meet their
From the beginning, the Clayton County Board of Health recognized the need for CCST to establish strategic partnerships with a variety of stakeholder groups in order to sustain the work of CCST and establish county-wide support for teen pregnancy prevention. Through one-on-one meetings, sponsored events, and general outreach, CCST has forged key partnerships, which include government entities, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and the faith-based community. Strategic partners serve as advocates for youth development and many help implement the program by serving as TOP® Club sites.
basic personal and social needs to be safe, feel cared for, be valued, be useful, and be spiritually grounded, and (2) to build skills and competencies
CCST's strategic partners represent a cross-section of agencies that touch the lives of young people. They have included such organizations as: n Clayton County Public Schools
n Clayton Center Community Service Board (mental health and substance abuse facility) n TIME-ER, Inc. (leadership and education program)
that allow them to function and contribute in their daily lives." (Karen Pittman, 1993)
n Battle Creek Village Townhomes
n Greater Works Missionary Baptist Church CCST gives youth-serving agencies in Clayton County a forum through which to share perspectives on teen issues, share resources, and address community challenges. By fostering a collective sense of responsibility for helping teens achieve better outcomes, CCST is able to impact teens from various backgrounds throughout the county.
Community Mobilization Making teen pregnancy prevention a priority requires community mobilization. In order to raise awareness and unite the community around the issue of teen pregnancy prevention, CCST has organized several engaging and purposeful community events.
8
5
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Page 6
Our Challenges
I
CCST Strategy
Our Challenges n Clayton County, juvenile delinquency, gangs, and teen pregnancy threaten the well-being and future of youth and their families. In 2003, juvenile crimes in Clayton
County soared to significantly higher rates than in the 1990s. In 2007, nearly 30 percent of all arrests in Clayton County were juvenile arrests. Fiscal Year 2008 data indicates 35,528 Clayton County youth, ages 10-16, were at risk of entering the Juvenile Court system at that time.
1
Clayton County Teen Summit/Expo - In May 2011 and May 2012, CCST hosted the Clayton County Teen Summit/Expo. Coinciding with National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, these two events engaged 600 teens and parents around topics such as teen pregnancy, youth violence, bullying, decision-making, goal-setting, and child/parent communication. In addition to a variety of workshops for youth ages 10-19 and their parents, the events
Teen pregnancy rates in Clayton decreased dramatically between 1994 and 2002, but as gang involvement and delinquency increased, so did teenage pregnancy. Between 2002 and 2011, 5,864 babies in Clayton County were born to adolescent mothers, 2
approximately 590 babies a year. Those rates were highest among African Americans. At-risk youth are falling victim to the illusion of safety, protection, belonging, and purpose offered by delinquent peer groups. Seeking to stem the tide, the Clayton
included community exhibitors, musical entertainment, teen breakout sessions, wellness information, and job resources. Clayton County Teen Maze - In August 2012 and August 2013, CCST hosted the Clayton County Teen Maze. This interactive event, coordinated with the help of more than 30 community organizations, simulated the long-term consequences of positive and negative life choices. Stations set up by various community agencies exposed teens
County Board of Health set out to implement an effective teen outreach program
to a wide range of scenarios, including a
that holistically addresses the factors that lead to teen delinquency and early
pregnancy simulation, parenthood,
parenthood, such as lacking a sense of purpose, low self-esteem, and disengagement
incarceration, having a sexually-transmitted
from the community.
infection (STI), hospitalization, driving under the influence, and death. More than 160
We believe that affecting the attitudes and behaviors of young people will have a
youth participated in the first Teen Maze
transformative effect on the overall health outcomes for our community.
and more than 260 attended in 2013. Youth Services Provider Academy - CCST established the Youth Services Provider Academy specifically to educate and inform youth-serving agencies and other stakeholders about youth development as an approach to addressing teen pregnancy. Over two years, the Academy has provided 120 representatives from local youthserving organizations with information about the core principles of positive youth development, related theories, best practices, and lessons learned. It serves as a platform for raising awareness of critical issues hindering positive youth development. Community Voices for Youth - Community Voices is CCST's tool for engaging youth-serving agencies and identifying potential community partners. In scheduled meetings with CCBOH leadership, community agencies discuss their programs and services. CCST team members, in return, conduct a site visit to determine potential
Sources: 1Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, SMART Mapping System 2 Georgia Online Analytical Statistical Information System (OASIS)
4
partnership opportunities and formally assess that agency's ability to serve as a TOP速 Club site, if applicable. 9
clayton teenage brochure
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Page 5
CCST Strategy
The Issue
“It's important that we teach our teens more than just how to say ‘no’. This approach is more about life skills— about self-esteem, communication, how to protect themselves and deal with their emotions.” -Alicia D. Akins, PhD
W
The Issue e all want our children to be successful. Studies show that one of the greatest impediments to youth success is teen pregnancy. Adolescents who give birth in
their teens are less likely to graduate from high school, less likely to attend college, and
Executive Director, Tips 4 Teens, Inc., TOP® Club Partner
more likely to live in poverty as an adult. The children of teenage mothers are also more likely to have poor school achievement and be incarcerated at some time during their
Evidence-Based Interventions Perhaps the most critical aspect of CCST's strategy is the evidence-based
adolescence.
interventions that take place within TOP® Clubs. TOP® Club facilitators are trained
Teen pregnancy rates are down nationwide. However, between 2002 and 2011 in
rigorously in the Changing Scenes Curriculum© and monitored regularly to ensure
Clayton County, teen mothers (ages 15-19) gave birth to approximately 590 babies a
fidelity and compliance with Wyman standards. TOP is a national model for youth
year. Without intervention, these teens and their children will face grave socioeconomic
development because it produces tangible, measurable results.
challenges.
®
TOP Evidence-Based Outcomes ®
Nationwide, the Wyman Teen Outreach Program curriculum has ®
demonstrated the following results EVIDENCE-BASED OUTCOMES:
1
n 53% lower risk of pregnancy n 52% lower risk of school suspension n 60% lower risk of course failure
Teen pregnancy is a complicated, multi-faceted issue with no easy solution. Decreasing teen births requires a youth development approach incorporating education, counseling, health and wellness, and applied learning. For Clayton County, Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) offers a solution.
OBSERVED OUTCOMES
n 60% lower risk of school dropout 2
The purpose of this report is to raise awareness about Clayton County's youth development challenges and show how CCST is making a positive difference in youth outcomes.
1
Philliber Research, 2001 “Who Benefits Most From A Broadly Targeted Prevention Program” Joe Allen, “Escaping the Endless Adolescent” 2009
2
The TOP® curriculum addresses important teen topics and includes four years of unduplicated, age-appropriate materials that promote the growth of self-regulatory, social and emotional skills. These skills include: n Confidence and persistence
n The ability to build and maintain positive relationships
n Critical thinking, empathy, and integrity n Communication and assertiveness n Goal setting and self evaluation n Analysis, problem solving, and decision making
10
n Self discipline and time management n Awareness of appropriate behavior
n Emotional intelligence and the ability to make healthy choices
3
clayton teenage brochure
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Page 4
About . . .
About Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH)
T
he Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH), located at 1117 Battle Creek Road in Jonesboro, GA is a
comprehensive facility dedicated to improving the overall health and safety of those living in and visiting Clayton County, Georgia through health promotion, prevention, protection and preparedness planning activities that are evidence-based and data-driven. Our broad offering of health services, health education, and outreach programs addresses a wide variety of community health issues, including infant mortality, child and youth development, obesity, sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), food safety, unintentional injuries, infectious diseases, and emergency preparedness.
C
About Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) layton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) is a holistic youth development initiative that helps Clayton County
teens, ages 12-19 years old, address issues such as teen pregnancy, poor school performance and personal/ community responsibility. The program focuses on at-risk and disadvantaged youth. Utilizing the Wyman Teen Outreach Program® (TOP) curriculum, CCST engages
youth in activities aimed at improving communication, self worth, accountability, personal and social awareness, and noncognitive abilities (life skills). CCST is an effort led by the Clayton County Board of Health.
CCST
Year One Highlights Sept. 1, 2010 - Aug. 31, 2011
CCBOH successfully recruited and hired qualified management, health education, and support staff to implement CCST. CCBOH also established a strong operational framework supported by internal controls to monitor programmatic outcomes. CCBOH identified and selected two initial TOP® Clubs to conduct a six-week pilot. Four (4) additional sites were then established to conduct a nine-week pilot of the program. CCBOH established strategic partnerships with more than a dozen youth-serving agencies in Clayton County, including the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, foster care providers, a mental health provider, faith-based organizations, academic enrichment programs and mentoring programs. CCST team members traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to receive training and certification in the use of TOP® intervention and the Changing Scenes Curriculum©. CCST established “Community Voices for Youth” to identify potential partners and TOP® Club sites. Sites were selected based on their safety; credibility and community standing; location (proximity to areas with high teen birth rates); history of providing services to youth; and organizational capacity. CCST held the first annual Clayton County Teen Summit/Expo on May 21, 2011 in order to increase community awareness of CCST teen pregnancy prevention activities, CCBOH services, and community resources that promote positive youth development. Approximately 200 teens and parents attended, gaining valuable insight through interactive workshops, breakout sessions and other activities. CCST's Youth Services Provider Academy was conducted August 29-30, 2011. More than 70 agency representatives participated in two days of training and capacity-building activities. By the end of Year 1, CCST successfully implemented its pilot program at six sites and selected 15 TOP® Club sites for Year 2 implementation.
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About . . .
CCST
Year Two Highlights Sept. 1, 2011 - Aug. 31, 2012
Ten (10) program sites, hosting 13 TOP速 Clubs, served more than 300 youth for the duration of the project year. The ten sites were: Faith Open Door, Inc.; Ladies of Favor, Inc.; Clayton Center Community Service Board; Youth Empowerment Project, Inc.; Forest Park Street School/Prevention PLUS, Inc.; Riverwood Townhouses; Teens Initiating Change, Inc. (T.I.C.); Tips 4 Teens, Inc.; Hearts to Nourish Hope, Inc.; and the Jim Huie Recreation Center. CCBOH launched a comprehensive marketing and public awareness campaign targeting youth and youth-serving organizations around the county. This included earned media (newspaper and broadcast news coverage), paid media (billboards) and various outreach activities. CCST held its annual Clayton County Teen Summit on May 19, 2012. The goals of the Summit were to raise awareness of critical issues hindering positive youth development, such as teen pregnancy, youth violence and bullying; and to encourage action. Teens played a larger role in this Summit by serving as Youth Ambassadors. Approximately 400 teens and parents attended the event. CCST hosted a six-week Youth Leadership and Job Readiness Institute from June 25-August 10, 2012 to prepare youth for life after high school. CCST's Youth Services Provider Academy was conducted August 9-10, 2012, targeting organizations in and around the county. The Academy focused on raising awareness of youth development challenges, promoting constructive dialogue, and finding collective solutions. Forty-six (46) agency representatives participated in the two-day workshop. CCST hosted the Clayton County Teen Maze on August 25, 2012. Coordinated with the help of more than 30 community organizations, the Maze simulated the long-term consequences of positive and negative life choices. Stations were set up by various community agencies to expose teens to a wide range of scenarios, including a pregnancy simulation, parenthood, incarceration, having a sexually-transmitted infection, hospitalization, driving under the influence and death. More than 160 youth participated in the Teen Maze.
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About Clayton County layton County is a suburban community just south of downtown Atlanta, as well as the home of the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Airport. Clayton is one of Georgia's smallest counties in land size with an area of 146 square miles. Yet, with a population of 265,888 (2012 U.S. Census estimate), it is one of the most densely populated counties.
2012 U.S. Census Figures (Clayton County, GA) Population: 265,888 Persons under 18 years of age: 28.5% Female: 52.3% White (Caucasian): 25.1% Black (African American): 67% Asian: 5.1% Other Races: 2.8% Persons who identify as Latino or Hispanic: 13.4% High school graduates: 82.1% Persons with a bachelor's degree or higher: 17.8% Homeownership rate: 59.1% Unemployment rate: 10.6% (July 2013) Persons living below the poverty level: 18.4% Median household income: $42,936
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Letter from the Director
Our Youth. Our Future.
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layton County Board of Health (CCBOH) recognizes that there are a variety of variables that can contribute to a teen
becoming pregnant. Efforts to address teen pregnancy through the diffusion of evidence-based interventions are strengthened by complimentary youth development programming. Addressing teen pregnancy and breaking the cycle of poverty
associated with it requires community collaboration and approaches that address the whole teen, not just the problem. That is why CCBOH is so passionate about Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) and the interventions provided by Wyman's Teen Outreach Program® (TOP). Sexual risk-taking among teens is a complex cultural issue, reflecting that many young people are struggling against great odds to build healthy, productive lives. CCST's approach is to empower youth by providing constructive growth and development opportunities leading to positive outcomes. This report frames the teen birth and pregnancy challenges in Clayton County and offers CCST as a positive change agent for Clayton County’s youth. CCBOH and CCST truly believe that our youth are our future. As we enter the final two years of CCST implementation, we hope to inspire even more dialogue and community partnerships around youth development. We hope this report encourages you to become as passionate about youth development as we are. Alpha Fowler Bryan, M.D. Clayton County District Health Director Principal Investigator, Wyman Champion
As of July 2013, CCST:
Has served: More than 1300 youth Has sponsored: 37 TOP® Clubs Has collaborated with: 21 youth-serving organizations
Acknowledgements Jevon C. Gibson, MA
Alpha Fowler Bryan, MD
Program Manager Office of Coordinated Youth Services CCST Program Manager (2010-2012)
District Health Director Principal Investigator, Wyman Champion
Rosalyn K. Bacon, MPH
Michelle Batts
District Deputy Director Project Director, Wyman Champion
Marketing & PR Consultant Office of Coordinated Youth Services
Rolanda Patrick, MPH
Joel Hall
Program Manager Office of CoordinatedY outh Services CCST Program Manager
Public Information Officer Clayton County Board of Health 1
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Clayton County Board of Health
ns ee t T n o yto t 2 N a l "C rea d!" G e R 2 ucce S
Clayton County Board of Health CCST Program 1117 Battle Creek Road Jonesboro, GA 30236 Phone: (678) 479-2220 | Fax: (770) 603-4872
www.claytoncountypublichealth.org This publication was made possible by Grant Number TP1AH000034 from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Health. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Office of Adolescent Health.
Responding to Teen Births & Pregnancy in Clayton County: A Youth Development Approach