Using Conceptual Models to Tailor Programming on Adulthood Preparation Subjects to Pregnant and Parenting Youth
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Using Conceptual Models to Tailor Programming on Adulthood Preparation Subjects to Pregnant and Parenting Youth

PREP Studies of Performance Measures and Adulthood Preparation Subjects, OPRE Report #2021-18
Published: Feb 01, 2021
Publisher: Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Human Services Family Support Strengthening Families and Responsible Fatherhood Youth Development
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Associated Project

Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP)

Time frame: 2011–2020

Prepared for:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families

Clients
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Authors

Jacqueline Crowley

Katie Adamek

Heather Zaveri

Key Findings
  • Intentionally incorporate PYD practices into program design and implementation. Grantees should employ this comprehensive approach throughout the lifespan of PREP programming, from the initial planning and design phases through delivery and implementation.
  • Invest long-term in high-quality, trained staff who demonstrate a commitment to PYD practices. Program staff are the key mechanism by which PYD practices are consistently applied. By conducting careful staff recruitment, providing relevant training, and working to retain high-performing staff, programs taking a PYD approach can ensure continuous high-quality implementation.
  • Explore ways to grow and support the evidence base for PYD. Existing research on PYD as an approach for improving youth programming is promising, but continued examination remains critical. PREP grantees can contribute to the growing knowledge base by leveraging relevant PREP performance measure data and incorporating a PYD lens into research and evaluation efforts.

This brief provides Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) grantees with an overview of the key concepts and evidence base for Positive Youth Development (PYD). It examines the value of a PYD approach in relation to adulthood preparation subjects (APSs) and provides guidance on how to incorporate PYD into existing programming to improve program outcomes. The guidance is a part of a ongong effort to develop conceptual models to help PREP grantees and other practitioners implement the APSs, as well as a unified framework that cuts across subjects. The conceptual models are to help PREP grantees understand and select APSs, develop APS-related content, and target specific outcomes in their programs.

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