Project Overview
The evaluation documented how the PREP initiative unfolded nationwide. It also examined the effectiveness of four PREP-funded programs.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families
Reducing pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and associated risk behaviors among teenagers has been a long-standing policy concern. Although teen pregnancy rates in the United States have declined, these rates are still high compared with those of other industrialized countries. In addition, the negative consequences of teenage pregnancy, including health and developmental issues for mothers and children, education and employment issues for teen parents, and economic costs for society, can be high.
To help reduce these risks, Congress authorized the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) as part of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services oversees the program. Through PREP, FYSB provides a mix of competitive and formula block grants to U.S. states and local organizations to provide educational programs to adolescents on teen pregnancy prevention and related topics. By supporting these programs, PREP ultimately aims to further reduce rates of teen pregnancy, STIs, and associated sexual risk behaviors, particularly among high-risk youth.

PREP Reaches Far and Wide to Provide Influential Programming to Youth
From 2013 to 2017, PREP has served more than 400,000 youth through nearly 500 multi-component programs to help reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
PREP Interactive BriefEvidence & Insights From This Project

Final Impacts of a Home Visiting Program in Texas Designed to Reduce Repeat Pregnancies
A final report presents evidence on the long-term impacts of the Steps to Success home visiting program for adolescent mothers in San Angelo, Texas.
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