Welfare Reform and Abstinence Education: An Issue Brief

Abstract:
This issue brief begins by describing recent trends in adolescent sexuality, pregnancy, and parenting. It then provides information to policymakers and service providers to encourage best-practice models focusing on teens at the highest risk of adolescent pregnancy. The publication defines abstinence education and list the abstinence-education provisions of the 1996 federal welfare reform legislation. One section of the issue brief focuses on the effectiveness of abstinence education, noting the lack of sufficient research on abstinence education programs, the important role of parental communication, and agreed-on components of effective abstinence education. Other sections of the issue brief focus on evaluation (including appropriate objective-setting and evaluation methodology) and on state and local action regarding abstinence education. At times, the issue brief is really describing abstinence-based as opposed to abstinence-only education, such as when it notes that risk-reduction strategies other than abstinence should be included to meet the needs of all learners. The information is generally clear and easy to understand (despite typographical errors) and will be of interest to those exploring abstinence education.

Author(s): CASTRO, Wendy
Date Published: 1/1/1998

Pages: 41

Location Code: 9124