Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy

This comprehensive review of evaluation research offers information on "what programs work" to prevent teen pregnancy. In addition to examining traditional sex education, the study covers abstinence-only education programs for teens, contraceptive and family planning services, early childhood programs, youth development, and service learning interventions. The report cites eight programs as having strong evidence of success - five are sex education programs, two are service learning programs (i.e., community service combined with group discussions and reflection), and one is an intensive program that combines sex education, comprehensive health care, and activities such as tutoring. One particular service-learning model is the "Teen Outreach Program" (TOP) which has had especially impressive results. Program participants had a 41 percent lower rate of teen pregnancy, regardless of race, socio-economic status, or grade level.