SCIENCE-BASED PROGRAMS AND ADAPTATIONS Prepared by Healthy Teen Network and ACT For Youth

Clarifying the Terms  A program, intervention, and curriculum are terms that describe a written set of structured, sequenced activities with specific implementation instructions.  Science-based, evidence-based, and research- based are terms used to indicate that the program (or intervention or curriculum) was rigorously evaluated to change sexual risk-taking behavior over time.

Why Use Science-Based Programs? We refer to science- based programs as SBP  SBP are effective in changing sexual risk-taking behavior when implemented as designed, or implemented with fidelity  Behavior changes vary program to program  There are different “lists” of SBP

Lists of SBPs  Doug Kirby: Emerging Answers   CDC: EBIs (Evidence-Based Interventions)   National Campaign: What Works 2009   Advocates For Youth: Science and Success 

How Do You Choose the Right One? Your choice should be based on the following:  Assessment of youth population  Behaviors  Protective factors  Risk factors  Desired outcomes for youth  Organizational resources and capacity to implement the program as designed  Community readiness for program

How Do You Narrow Your Options? What you need to know about the program:  Main messages  Program costs  Length and duration  Intended program audience  Program setting  Group size  Evaluation results and expected outcomes

Popular Programs  Making Proud Choices (MPC)  Making A Difference (MAD)  Reducing the Risk  Safer Choices  Becoming a Responsible Teen (BART)  Teen Outreach Program  Cuidate!  SiHLE  Focus on Youth  Children’s Aid Society Carrera Program  Get Real About AIDS

Program Adaptations

Like a Good Recipe … The program activities reflect the behavior change theory  … you don’t want to mess with the core ingredients  You want it to taste good each time it’s made  A good program has a recipe that has to be followed closely, so that the outcome is the same each time

Core Components Content Pedagogical Implementation  Core Components form the foundation of the program  Content components are what’s taught  Pedagogical components are the methods used in teaching the content  Implementation components are the logistics of conducting the program (setting, numbers of youth, facilitator training, etc.)

Green Light Adaptations  Go ahead! Adaptations that can be made without compromising the curriculum  Update factual material  Change wording of behavioral messages to match young people’s culture, developmental age and sexual experience  Change learning activities or instructional methods to reflect youth’s culture, developmental age or sexual experience

Yellow Light Adaptations  Caution! May compromise core components; seek support from professionals with expertise  Substitute the video with one that fits priority population  Change sequence of activities  Add activities to address additional risk and protective factors

Red Light Adaptations  STOP! They will significantly compromise or diminish the core components  Substantially shorten programs  Reduce activities that allow youth to personalize information  Reduce activities that allow youth to practice skills  Reduce efforts in classroom management  Eliminate risk and protective factors  Fail to repeat and reinforce key behavioral messages

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US:  ACT for Youth  Healthy Teen Network

Resources  Program selection worksheet: election%20Worksheet5.pdf election%20Worksheet5.pdf  Green-Yellow-Red Light Adaptations: ation%20guide.pdf ation%20guide.pdf  Planning for Evidence-Based Programming: