Teen Births: Examining the Recent Increase

This research brief explores whether the data reflect a short-term blip or a true reversal in the decline of the U.S. teen birth rate. It also considers potential explanations for the uptick in teen births, and raises data and research gaps that must be filled to inform public and private prevention efforts. Among the findings: --Declines in teen contraceptive use may have played some role in the teen birth rate increase. Between 2003 and 2005, a slightly greater percentage of high school girls reported using no method of birth control the last time they had sex. --Recent declines in teen sexual activity have stalled. --Economic hardship and the rising cost of certain birth control methods may also have made contraception less affordable for some teens.--National data indicate a significant decline between 1995 and 2002 in the percentage of students who report having received formal contraceptive education.This brief is based on a paper by Kristin Anderson Moore, Ph.D., that resulted from a meeting of experts and researchers convened by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy

Programs for Children and Youth in a Community Context

Shares insights from a discussion on integrating evidence-based out-of-school time programs into community initiatives to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children. Outlines issues and the need for adaptable, data-driven programs with defined outcomes

What Works for Adolescent Reproductive Health: Lessons from Experimental Evaluations of Programs and Interventions

This Child Trends fact sheet reviews evaluated programs that focus on adolescent reproductive health. Among the findings: Many different types of programs have been shown to positively affect reproductive health outcomes. Not only school- and community-based sex education programs, but also clinic-based programs, youth development programs, service-learning programs, early childhood programs, and programs for young mothers have been found to be effective. Comprehensive sex education can improve adolescent reproductive health. Of the 21 comprehensive sex education programs that have been experimentally evaluated, 11 had a significant positive impact on the behavior of the youth studied or important subgroups of the sample. No abstinence-only interventions have yet been shown to positively affect any behavioral outcomes. Six abstinence-only interventions have had their impacts on behavioral outcomes experimentally evaluated. None has had an impact on initiation of sexual intercourse, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, use of condoms, use of contraceptives, pregnancies, births, or STD contraction. None of these six abstinence-only interventions have been shown to negatively affect any behavioral outcomes, either. In particular, in spite of their exclusive focus on abstinence, none have served to significantly decrease condom or contraceptive use. The fact sheet includes a table that shows whether the evaluated programs were found to work, not proven to work, or had mixed findings

Neighborhood Support and Children's Connectedness

Summarizes research on the links between levels of neighborhood support, such as neighbors helping one another, and other types of "connectedness" that contribute to children's healthy development -- with family, peers, community, and activities

The Development and Use of Child Well-Being Indicators in the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

Summarizes the conceptual framework and development of outcomes-based, measurable indicators focused on child safety, permanency, and well-being to help monitor the status of children in the child welfare system. Outlines recommended indicators

Effective and Promising Summer Learning Programs and Approaches for Economically-Disadvantaged Children and Youth

Reviews research on summer learning program outcomes for low-income children and identifies the characteristics of effective programs such as experienced teachers, small groups, and fun activities. Finds reading and math achievement gains are possible

Implementing School-Based Services: Strategies From New Mexico's School-Based Health and Extended Learning Services

Based on discussions with policy makers and educators, outlines strategies for providing family supports, health care, and extended learning activities in schools. Suggestions include enhancing behavioral and mental health programs and staff support

Online Resources for Identifying Evidence-Based, Out-of-School Time Programs: A User's Guide

Summarizes general information, select program outcomes, and evidence levels of searchable databases, interactive summaries, and documents online on evidence-based intervention programs. Outlines considerations and assessments for selecting programs

Children in Poverty: Trends, Consequences, and Policy Options

Outlines trends and factors in the U.S. child poverty rate and reviews research linking poverty and lower levels of child well-being, including educational and cognitive, social and emotional, economic, and health outcomes. Makes policy recommendations

Reducing Teen Childbearing Among Latinos: An Innovative Anti-Poverty Strategy

Having kids during the teen years raises the risk of poverty. Latinos in the United States are particularly vulnerable in this regard. They experience high rates of poverty and—not coincidently—they experience relatively high rates of teen childbearing, despite recent declines. We know from research that delaying childbearing can reduce the risk of poverty, especially when delays are accompanied by increased educational attainment. Accordingly, to reduce poverty among Latinos, it seems vital to reduce teen childbearing. This important insight underscores the need to expand the number of effective teen pregnancy prevention programs designed specifically for Latinos. To address this need, an interdisciplinary team of social scientists at Child Trends used multiple research methods to identify promising approaches to reduce early childbearing among Latino adolescents. This work included a review of research studies, a scan of intervention programs, focus groups with adolescents, interviews with parents and with program designers and program staff, as well as analyses of national databases. In this issue brief, we synthesize the results across these various research methods to identify major findings and implications for teen pregnancy prevention efforts for Latinos