responding to teen births & pregnancy in clayton county

Clayton CountyBoard of Health

Responding to Teen Births & Pregnancy

in Clayton County:A Youth

Development Approach

"Clayton Teens

R 2 Great 2 No

t

Succee

d!"

Clayton County Board of HealthCCST Program

1117 Battle Creek RoadJonesboro, GA 30236

Phone: (678) 479-2220 | Fax: (770) 603-4872

www.claytoncountypublichealth.orgThis publication was made possible by Grant Number TP1AH000034from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office ofAdolescent Health. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authorsand do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department ofHealth and Human Services or the Office of Adolescent Health.

clayton teenage brochure 11/26/13 12:00 PM

1

Our Youth. Our Future.layton County Board of Health (CCBOH) recognizes that

there are a variety of variables that can contribute to a teen

becoming pregnant. Efforts to address teen pregnancy through

the diffusion of evidence-based interventions are strengthened by

complimentary youth development programming.

Addressing teen pregnancy and breaking the cycle of poverty

associated with it requires community collaboration and approaches that address the

whole teen, not just the problem. That is why CCBOH is so passionate about Clayton

Can Soar to the Top (CCST) and the interventions provided by Wyman's Teen Outreach

Program® (TOP).

Sexual risk-taking among teens is a complex cultural issue, reflecting that many

young people are struggling against great odds to build healthy, productive lives.

CCST's approach is to empower youth by providing constructive growth and

development opportunities leading to positive outcomes. This report frames the teen

birth and pregnancy challenges in Clayton County and offers CCST as a positive

change agent for Clayton County’s youth.

CCBOH and CCST truly believe that our youth are our future. As we enter the final

two years of CCST implementation, we hope to inspire even more dialogue and

community partnerships around youth development. We hope this report encourages

you to become as passionate about youth development as we are.

Alpha Fowler Bryan, M.D.

Clayton County District Health Director

Principal Investigator, Wyman Champion

Letter from the Director

C

Acknowledgements

Alpha Fowler Bryan, MDDistrict Health Director


Rosalyn K. Bacon, MPHDistrict Deputy Director

Project Director, Wyman Champion

Rolanda Patrick, MPHProgram Manager

Office of CoordinatedY outh ServicesCCST Program Manager

Jevon C. Gibson, MAProgram Manager

Office of Coordinated Youth ServicesCCST Program Manager (2010-2012)

Michelle BattsMarketing & PR Consultant

Office of Coordinated Youth Services

Joel HallPublic Information Officer

Clayton County Board of Health

As of July 2013, CCST:Has served:

More than 1300 youthHas sponsored:37 TOP® Clubs

Has collaborated with:21 youth-serving organizations


CCST Year Two Highlights Sept. 1, 2011 - Aug. 31, 2012

Ten (10) program sites, hosting 13 TOP® Clubs, served more than 300youth for the duration of the project year. The ten sites were: Faith OpenDoor, Inc.; Ladies of Favor, Inc.; Clayton Center Community Service Board;Youth Empowerment Project, Inc.; Forest Park Street School/PreventionPLUS, Inc.; Riverwood Townhouses; Teens Initiating Change, Inc. (T.I.C.);

Tips 4 Teens, Inc.; Hearts to Nourish Hope, Inc.; and the Jim Huie RecreationCenter.

CCBOH launched a comprehensive marketing and public awareness

campaign targeting youth and youth-serving organizations around the

county. This included earned media (newspaper and broadcast news coverage), paid media (billboards) and various outreach activities.

CCST held its annual Clayton County Teen Summit on May 19, 2012.The goals of the Summit were to raise awareness of critical issues hinderingpositive youth development, such as teen pregnancy, youth violence and bullying; and to encourage action. Teens played a larger role in this Summitby serving as Youth Ambassadors. Approximately 400 teens and parentsattended the event.

CCST hosted a six-week Youth Leadership and Job Readiness Institutefrom June 25-August 10, 2012 to prepare youth for life after high school.

CCST's Youth Services Provider Academy was conducted August 9-10,2012, targeting organizations in and around the county. The Academyfocused on raising awareness of youth development challenges, promotingconstructive dialogue, and finding collective solutions. Forty-six (46) agencyrepresentatives participated in the two-day workshop.

CCST hosted the Clayton County Teen Maze on August 25, 2012.Coordinated with the help of more than 30 community organizations, theMaze simulated the long-term consequences of positive and negative lifechoices. Stations were set up by various community agencies to exposeteens to a wide range of scenarios, including a pregnancy simulation, parent-hood, incarceration, having a sexually-transmitted infection, hospitalization,driving under the influence and death. More than 160 youth participated in theTeen Maze.

12

About . . .

2012 U.S. Census Figures (Clayton County, GA)

Population: 265,888

Persons under 18 years of age: 28.5%

Female: 52.3%

White (Caucasian): 25.1%

Black (African American): 67%

Asian: 5.1%

Other Races: 2.8%

Persons who identify as Latino or Hispanic: 13.4%

High school graduates: 82.1%

Persons with a bachelor's degree or higher: 17.8%

Homeownership rate: 59.1%

Unemployment rate: 10.6% (July 2013)

Persons living below the poverty level: 18.4%

Median household income: $42,936

About Clayton Countylayton County is a suburban community just south of downtown Atlanta, as well

as the home of the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

Airport. Clayton is one of Georgia's smallest counties in land size with an area of 146

square miles. Yet, with a population of 265,888 (2012 U.S. Census estimate), it is one

of the most densely populated counties.

C

1


2

About Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH)

he Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH), located

at 1117 Battle Creek Road in Jonesboro, GA is a

comprehensive facility dedicated to improving the overall

health and safety of those living in and visiting Clayton

County, Georgia through health promotion, prevention,

protection and preparedness planning activities that are

evidence-based and data-driven. Our broad offering of

health services, health education, and outreach programs addresses a wide variety of

community health issues, including infant mortality, child and youth development,

obesity, sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), food safety, unintentional injuries,

infectious diseases, and emergency preparedness.

About Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST)

layton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) is a holistic youth

development initiative that helps Clayton County

teens, ages 12-19 years old, address issues such as teen

pregnancy, poor school performance and personal/

community responsibility. The program focuses on at-risk

and disadvantaged youth. Utilizing the Wyman Teen

Outreach Program® (TOP) curriculum, CCST engages

youth in activities aimed at improving communication, self worth, accountability,

personal and social awareness, and noncognitive abilities (life skills). CCST is an effort

led by the Clayton County Board of Health.

About . . .

T

C

11

CCST Year One Highlights Sept. 1, 2010 - Aug. 31, 2011

CCBOH successfully recruited and hired qualified management, health education, and support staff to implement CCST. CCBOH also established a strong operational framework supported by internal controls tomonitor programmatic outcomes.

CCBOH identified and selected two initial TOP® Clubs to conduct a six-week pilot. Four (4) additional sites were then established to conduct anine-week pilot of the program.

CCBOH established strategic partnerships with more than a dozen youth-serving agencies in Clayton County, including the GeorgiaDepartment of Juvenile Justice, foster care providers, a mental healthprovider, faith-based organizations, academic enrichment programs and men-toring programs.

CCST team members traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to receive trainingand certification in the use of TOP® intervention and the ChangingScenes Curriculum©.

CCST established “Community Voices for Youth” to identify potential partners and TOP® Club sites. Sites were selected based on their safety;credibility and community standing; location (proximity to areas with high teen birth rates); history of providing services to youth; and organizationalcapacity.

CCST held the first annual Clayton County Teen Summit/Expo on May 21, 2011 in order to increase community awareness of CCST teen pregnancy prevention activities, CCBOH services, and communityresources that promote positive youth development. Approximately 200teens and parents attended, gaining valuable insight through interactive workshops, breakout sessions and other activities.

CCST's Youth Services Provider Academy was conducted August 29-30,2011. More than 70 agency representatives participated in two days of training and capacity-building activities.

By the end of Year 1, CCST successfully implemented its pilot programat six sites and selected 15 TOP® Club sites for Year 2 implementation.


TOP® Evidence-Based OutcomesNationwide, the Wyman Teen Outreach Program® curriculum hasdemonstrated the following results

EVIDENCE-BASED OUTCOMES: 1

n 53% lower risk of pregnancyn 52% lower risk of school suspensionn 60% lower risk of course failure

“It's important that we teach our teens more than justhow to say ‘no’. This approach is more about life skills—about self-esteem, communication, how to protect themselves and deal with their emotions.”-Alicia D. Akins, PhDExecutive Director, Tips 4 Teens, Inc., TOP® Club Partner

10

1Philliber Research, 2001 “Who Benefits Most From A Broadly Targeted Prevention Program”2Joe Allen, “Escaping the Endless Adolescent” 2009

The TOP® curriculum addresses important teen topics and includes four years of

unduplicated, age-appropriate materials that promote the growth of self-regulatory,

social and emotional skills. These skills include:

n The ability to build and maintain positive relationships

n Critical thinking, empathy, and integrityn Communication and assertiveness n Goal setting and self evaluationn Analysis, problem solving, and

decision making

n Confidence and persistencen Self discipline and time managementn Awareness of appropriate behaviorn Emotional intelligence and the ability to

make healthy choices

The Issue

The Issue

e all want our children to be successful. Studies show that one of the greatest

impediments to youth success is teen pregnancy. Adolescents who give birth in

their teens are less likely to graduate from high school, less likely to attend college, and

more likely to live in poverty as an adult. The children of teenage mothers are also more

likely to have poor school achievement and be incarcerated at some time during their

adolescence.

Teen pregnancy rates are down nationwide. However, between 2002 and 2011 in

Clayton County, teen mothers (ages 15-19) gave birth to approximately 590 babies a

year. Without intervention, these teens and their children will face grave socioeconomic

challenges.

Teen pregnancy is a complicated, multi-faceted issue with no easy solution.

Decreasing teen births requires a youth development approach incorporating education,

counseling, health and wellness, and applied learning. For Clayton County, Clayton Can

Soar to the Top (CCST) offers a solution.

The purpose of this report is to raise awareness about Clayton County's youth

development challenges and show how CCST is making a positive difference in youth

outcomes.

W

3

CCST Strategy

Evidence-Based InterventionsPerhaps the most critical aspect of CCST's strategy is the evidence-based

interventions that take place within TOP® Clubs. TOP® Club facilitators are trained

rigorously in the Changing Scenes Curriculum© and monitored regularly to ensure

fidelity and compliance with Wyman standards. TOP® is a national model for youth

development because it produces tangible, measurable results.

OBSERVED OUTCOMESn 60% lower risk of school dropout 2


CCST Strategy

Clayton County Teen Summit/Expo - In May

2011 and May 2012, CCST hosted the Clayton

County Teen Summit/Expo. Coinciding with

National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month,

these two events engaged 600 teens and

parents around topics such as teen pregnancy,

youth violence, bullying, decision-making, goal-setting, and child/parent communication.

In addition to a variety of workshops for youth ages 10-19 and their parents, the events

included community exhibitors, musical entertainment, teen breakout sessions,

wellness information, and job resources.

Clayton County Teen Maze - In August 2012 and August 2013, CCST hosted the

Clayton County Teen Maze. This interactive event, coordinated with the help of more

than 30 community organizations, simulated the long-term consequences of positive

and negative life choices. Stations set up by various community agencies exposed teens

to a wide range of scenarios, including a

pregnancy simulation, parenthood,

incarceration, having a sexually-transmitted

infection (STI), hospitalization, driving under

the influence, and death. More than 160

youth participated in the first Teen Maze

and more than 260 attended in 2013.

Youth Services Provider Academy - CCST established the Youth Services Provider

Academy specifically to educate and inform youth-serving agencies and other

stakeholders about youth development as an approach to addressing teen pregnancy.

Over two years, the Academy has provided 120 representatives from local youth-

serving organizations with information about the core principles of positive youth

development, related theories, best practices, and lessons learned. It serves as a

platform for raising awareness of critical issues hindering positive youth development.

Community Voices for Youth - Community Voices is CCST's tool for engaging youth-serving agencies and identifying potential community partners. In scheduledmeetings with CCBOH leadership, community agencies discuss their programs andservices. CCST team members, in return, conduct a site visit to determine potential partnership opportunities and formally assess that agency's ability to serve as a TOP®

Club site, if applicable.

9

Our Challenges

Our Challengesn Clayton County, juvenile delinquency, gangs, and teen pregnancy threaten the

well-being and future of youth and their families. In 2003, juvenile crimes in Clayton

County soared to significantly higher rates than in the 1990s. In 2007, nearly 30 percent

of all arrests in Clayton County were juvenile arrests. Fiscal Year 2008 data indicates

35,528 Clayton County youth, ages 10-16, were at risk of entering the Juvenile Court

system at that time.1

Teen pregnancy rates in Clayton decreased dramatically between 1994 and 2002, but

as gang involvement and delinquency increased, so did teenage pregnancy. Between

2002 and 2011, 5,864 babies in Clayton County were born to adolescent mothers,

approximately 590 babies a year.2 Those rates were highest among African Americans.

At-risk youth are falling victim to the illusion of safety, protection, belonging, and

purpose offered by delinquent peer groups. Seeking to stem the tide, the Clayton

County Board of Health set out to implement an effective teen outreach program

that holistically addresses the factors that lead to teen delinquency and early

parenthood, such as lacking a sense of purpose, low self-esteem, and disengagement

from the community.

We believe that affecting the attitudes and behaviors of young people will have a

transformative effect on the overall health outcomes for our community.

Sources: 1Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, SMART Mapping System2Georgia Online Analytical Statistical Information System (OASIS)

I

4


CCST Strategy

layton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) uses a collaborative approach to address teen

pregnancy prevention. That approach is focused on three core strategies: strategic

partnerships; community mobilization; and use of evidence-based interventions.

Strategic PartnershipsFrom the beginning, the Clayton County Board of Health recognized the need for

CCST to establish strategic partnerships with a variety of stakeholder groups in order to

sustain the work of CCST and establish county-wide support for teen pregnancy

prevention. Through one-on-one meetings, sponsored events, and general outreach,

CCST has forged key partnerships, which include government entities, nonprofit

organizations, educational institutions, and the faith-based community. Strategic

partners serve as advocates for youth development and many help implement the

program by serving as TOP® Club sites.

CCST's strategic partners represent a cross-section of agencies that touch the lives of

young people. They have included such organizations as:

n Clayton County Public Schools

n Clayton Center Community Service Board (mental health and substance abuse facility)

n TIME-ER, Inc. (leadership and education program)

n Battle Creek Village Townhomes

n Greater Works Missionary Baptist Church

CCST gives youth-serving agencies in Clayton County a forum through which to share

perspectives on teen issues, share resources, and address community challenges. By

fostering a collective sense of responsibility for helping teens achieve better outcomes,

CCST is able to impact teens from various backgrounds throughout the county.

Community MobilizationMaking teen pregnancy prevention a priority requires community mobilization. In order

to raise awareness and unite the community around the issue of teen pregnancy

prevention, CCST has organized several engaging and purposeful community events.

CCCST Strategy

8

YOUTHDEVELOPMENT IS…

“The ongoing growth process in

which all youth are engaged in

attempting to (1) meet their

basic personal and social needs

to be safe, feel cared for, be

valued, be useful, and be

spiritually grounded, and (2) to

build skills and competencies

that allow them to function and

contribute in their daily lives."

(Karen Pittman, 1993)

5


7

What is Wyman?Wyman is a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri that takes the best

teen development theory and makes it real and effective in a way that builds fully

prepared teens. Wyman has served more than 600,000 youth with programs designed

to change the odds for young people from disadvantaged communities.

What is TOP®?Wyman's Teen Outreach Program® (TOP) is an evidence-based program that engages

teens in curriculum-guided discussion and community service learning throughout the

year. TOP® reaches thousands of teens across the U.S. and is widely viewed as one of

the most effective and affordable methods for helping teens develop life skills, build

confidence, and avoid risky behaviors.

How is TOP® implemented?Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) advances the goals and key principles of TOP®

through the innovative Changing Scenes Curriculum©, which teaches decision-making,

goal-setting, self evaluation, persistence, and time management. At TOP® Clubs located

at various youth-serving sites throughout Clayton County, Wyman-certified facilitators

engage small groups of at-risk and disadvantaged youth (ages 12-19) in curriculum-

guided exercises. Lessons include hands-on learning experiences; group discussions

dominated by teens, not adults; and community service learning projects selected by

the youth themselves.

Wyman's TOP®

in Brief

Wyman's TOP® in Brief

“What I'm learning is not so much about sex. I'm reallylearning about who I am, how to be more aware of thechoices I'm making, and how I'm going to handle myselfin different situations.”

- Andre Armour, 17, TOP® Club Participant

A Youth Development Approach

CCST - A Youth Development Approach

eenage births often have serious, long-lasting consequences, such as health,

social, and emotional problems; financial challenges; and higher rates of child

abuse and neglect. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and

Unplanned Pregnancy (NCPTP), nearly 70 percent of families with a teen mother live

in poverty.

Committed to addressing academic failure, teen violence, and other issues

contributing to teen pregnancy, the Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH), in 2009,

applied for a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

Office of Adolescent Health. In 2010, CCBOH was awarded a $4.2 million federal grant

over a five-year period to establish Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST).

CCST helps teens develop skills that foster

positive outcomes and successful

transitions into adulthood. The program

replicates the curriculum of Wyman's

Teen Outreach Program® (TOP), a nationally-

recognized, evidence-based model proven to

develop the positive potential of teens.

Utilizing curriculum-guided discussions and

community service learning, TOP® helps teens

develop self-regulatory, social, and emotional

skills at a key time in adolescent brain

development.

Believing that our youth are highly vulnerable and deserve to be protected,

understood, nurtured, and equipped for success, CCST embraces a youth development

approach to teen issues.

6

T


7

What is Wyman?Wyman is a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri that takes the best

teen development theory and makes it real and effective in a way that builds fully

prepared teens. Wyman has served more than 600,000 youth with programs designed

to change the odds for young people from disadvantaged communities.

What is TOP®?Wyman's Teen Outreach Program® (TOP) is an evidence-based program that engages

teens in curriculum-guided discussion and community service learning throughout the

year. TOP® reaches thousands of teens across the U.S. and is widely viewed as one of

the most effective and affordable methods for helping teens develop life skills, build

confidence, and avoid risky behaviors.

How is TOP® implemented?Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) advances the goals and key principles of TOP®

through the innovative Changing Scenes Curriculum©, which teaches decision-making,

goal-setting, self evaluation, persistence, and time management. At TOP® Clubs located

at various youth-serving sites throughout Clayton County, Wyman-certified facilitators

engage small groups of at-risk and disadvantaged youth (ages 12-19) in curriculum-

guided exercises. Lessons include hands-on learning experiences; group discussions

dominated by teens, not adults; and community service learning projects selected by

the youth themselves.

Wyman's TOP®

in Brief

Wyman's TOP® in Brief

“What I'm learning is not so much about sex. I'm reallylearning about who I am, how to be more aware of thechoices I'm making, and how I'm going to handle myselfin different situations.”

- Andre Armour, 17, TOP® Club Participant

A Youth Development Approach

CCST - A Youth Development Approach

eenage births often have serious, long-lasting consequences, such as health,

social, and emotional problems; financial challenges; and higher rates of child

abuse and neglect. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and

Unplanned Pregnancy (NCPTP), nearly 70 percent of families with a teen mother live

in poverty.

Committed to addressing academic failure, teen violence, and other issues

contributing to teen pregnancy, the Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH), in 2009,

applied for a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

Office of Adolescent Health. In 2010, CCBOH was awarded a $4.2 million federal grant

over a five-year period to establish Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST).

CCST helps teens develop skills that foster

positive outcomes and successful

transitions into adulthood. The program

replicates the curriculum of Wyman's

Teen Outreach Program® (TOP), a nationally-

recognized, evidence-based model proven to

develop the positive potential of teens.

Utilizing curriculum-guided discussions and

community service learning, TOP® helps teens

develop self-regulatory, social, and emotional

skills at a key time in adolescent brain

development.

Believing that our youth are highly vulnerable and deserve to be protected,

understood, nurtured, and equipped for success, CCST embraces a youth development

approach to teen issues.

6

T

clayton teenage brochure 11/26/13 12:01 PM Page 8

CCST Strategy

layton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) uses a collaborative approach to address teen

pregnancy prevention. That approach is focused on three core strategies: strategic

partnerships; community mobilization; and use of evidence-based interventions.

Strategic PartnershipsFrom the beginning, the Clayton County Board of Health recognized the need for

CCST to establish strategic partnerships with a variety of stakeholder groups in order to

sustain the work of CCST and establish county-wide support for teen pregnancy

prevention. Through one-on-one meetings, sponsored events, and general outreach,

CCST has forged key partnerships, which include government entities, nonprofit

organizations, educational institutions, and the faith-based community. Strategic

partners serve as advocates for youth development and many help implement the

program by serving as TOP® Club sites.

CCST's strategic partners represent a cross-section of agencies that touch the lives of

young people. They have included such organizations as:

n Clayton County Public Schools

n Clayton Center Community Service Board (mental health and substance abuse facility)

n TIME-ER, Inc. (leadership and education program)

n Battle Creek Village Townhomes

n Greater Works Missionary Baptist Church

CCST gives youth-serving agencies in Clayton County a forum through which to share

perspectives on teen issues, share resources, and address community challenges. By

fostering a collective sense of responsibility for helping teens achieve better outcomes,

CCST is able to impact teens from various backgrounds throughout the county.

Community MobilizationMaking teen pregnancy prevention a priority requires community mobilization. In order

to raise awareness and unite the community around the issue of teen pregnancy

prevention, CCST has organized several engaging and purposeful community events.

CCCST Strategy

8

YOUTHDEVELOPMENT IS…

“The ongoing growth process in

which all youth are engaged in

attempting to (1) meet their

basic personal and social needs

to be safe, feel cared for, be

valued, be useful, and be

spiritually grounded, and (2) to

build skills and competencies

that allow them to function and

contribute in their daily lives."

(Karen Pittman, 1993)

5


CCST Strategy

Clayton County Teen Summit/Expo - In May

2011 and May 2012, CCST hosted the Clayton

County Teen Summit/Expo. Coinciding with

National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month,

these two events engaged 600 teens and

parents around topics such as teen pregnancy,

youth violence, bullying, decision-making, goal-setting, and child/parent communication.

In addition to a variety of workshops for youth ages 10-19 and their parents, the events

included community exhibitors, musical entertainment, teen breakout sessions,

wellness information, and job resources.

Clayton County Teen Maze - In August 2012 and August 2013, CCST hosted the

Clayton County Teen Maze. This interactive event, coordinated with the help of more

than 30 community organizations, simulated the long-term consequences of positive

and negative life choices. Stations set up by various community agencies exposed teens

to a wide range of scenarios, including a

pregnancy simulation, parenthood,

incarceration, having a sexually-transmitted

infection (STI), hospitalization, driving under

the influence, and death. More than 160

youth participated in the first Teen Maze

and more than 260 attended in 2013.

Youth Services Provider Academy - CCST established the Youth Services Provider

Academy specifically to educate and inform youth-serving agencies and other

stakeholders about youth development as an approach to addressing teen pregnancy.

Over two years, the Academy has provided 120 representatives from local youth-

serving organizations with information about the core principles of positive youth

development, related theories, best practices, and lessons learned. It serves as a

platform for raising awareness of critical issues hindering positive youth development.

Community Voices for Youth - Community Voices is CCST's tool for engaging youth-serving agencies and identifying potential community partners. In scheduledmeetings with CCBOH leadership, community agencies discuss their programs andservices. CCST team members, in return, conduct a site visit to determine potential partnership opportunities and formally assess that agency's ability to serve as a TOP®

Club site, if applicable.

9

Our Challenges

Our Challengesn Clayton County, juvenile delinquency, gangs, and teen pregnancy threaten the

well-being and future of youth and their families. In 2003, juvenile crimes in Clayton

County soared to significantly higher rates than in the 1990s. In 2007, nearly 30 percent

of all arrests in Clayton County were juvenile arrests. Fiscal Year 2008 data indicates

35,528 Clayton County youth, ages 10-16, were at risk of entering the Juvenile Court

system at that time.1

Teen pregnancy rates in Clayton decreased dramatically between 1994 and 2002, but

as gang involvement and delinquency increased, so did teenage pregnancy. Between

2002 and 2011, 5,864 babies in Clayton County were born to adolescent mothers,

approximately 590 babies a year.2 Those rates were highest among African Americans.

At-risk youth are falling victim to the illusion of safety, protection, belonging, and

purpose offered by delinquent peer groups. Seeking to stem the tide, the Clayton

County Board of Health set out to implement an effective teen outreach program

that holistically addresses the factors that lead to teen delinquency and early

parenthood, such as lacking a sense of purpose, low self-esteem, and disengagement

from the community.

We believe that affecting the attitudes and behaviors of young people will have a

transformative effect on the overall health outcomes for our community.

Sources: 1Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, SMART Mapping System2Georgia Online Analytical Statistical Information System (OASIS)

I

4


TOP® Evidence-Based OutcomesNationwide, the Wyman Teen Outreach Program® curriculum hasdemonstrated the following results

EVIDENCE-BASED OUTCOMES: 1

n 53% lower risk of pregnancyn 52% lower risk of school suspensionn 60% lower risk of course failure

“It's important that we teach our teens more than justhow to say ‘no’. This approach is more about life skills—about self-esteem, communication, how to protect themselves and deal with their emotions.”-Alicia D. Akins, PhDExecutive Director, Tips 4 Teens, Inc., TOP® Club Partner

10

1Philliber Research, 2001 “Who Benefits Most From A Broadly Targeted Prevention Program”2Joe Allen, “Escaping the Endless Adolescent” 2009

The TOP® curriculum addresses important teen topics and includes four years of

unduplicated, age-appropriate materials that promote the growth of self-regulatory,

social and emotional skills. These skills include:

n The ability to build and maintain positive relationships

n Critical thinking, empathy, and integrityn Communication and assertiveness n Goal setting and self evaluationn Analysis, problem solving, and

decision making

n Confidence and persistencen Self discipline and time managementn Awareness of appropriate behaviorn Emotional intelligence and the ability to

make healthy choices

The Issue

The Issue

e all want our children to be successful. Studies show that one of the greatest

impediments to youth success is teen pregnancy. Adolescents who give birth in

their teens are less likely to graduate from high school, less likely to attend college, and

more likely to live in poverty as an adult. The children of teenage mothers are also more

likely to have poor school achievement and be incarcerated at some time during their

adolescence.

Teen pregnancy rates are down nationwide. However, between 2002 and 2011 in

Clayton County, teen mothers (ages 15-19) gave birth to approximately 590 babies a

year. Without intervention, these teens and their children will face grave socioeconomic

challenges.

Teen pregnancy is a complicated, multi-faceted issue with no easy solution.

Decreasing teen births requires a youth development approach incorporating education,

counseling, health and wellness, and applied learning. For Clayton County, Clayton Can

Soar to the Top (CCST) offers a solution.

The purpose of this report is to raise awareness about Clayton County's youth

development challenges and show how CCST is making a positive difference in youth

outcomes.

W

3

CCST Strategy

Evidence-Based InterventionsPerhaps the most critical aspect of CCST's strategy is the evidence-based

interventions that take place within TOP® Clubs. TOP® Club facilitators are trained

rigorously in the Changing Scenes Curriculum© and monitored regularly to ensure

fidelity and compliance with Wyman standards. TOP® is a national model for youth

development because it produces tangible, measurable results.

OBSERVED OUTCOMESn 60% lower risk of school dropout 2


2

About Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH)

he Clayton County Board of Health (CCBOH), located

at 1117 Battle Creek Road in Jonesboro, GA is a

comprehensive facility dedicated to improving the overall

health and safety of those living in and visiting Clayton

County, Georgia through health promotion, prevention,

protection and preparedness planning activities that are

evidence-based and data-driven. Our broad offering of

health services, health education, and outreach programs addresses a wide variety of

community health issues, including infant mortality, child and youth development,

obesity, sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), food safety, unintentional injuries,

infectious diseases, and emergency preparedness.

About Clayton Can Soar to the Top (CCST)

layton Can Soar to the Top (CCST) is a holistic youth

development initiative that helps Clayton County

teens, ages 12-19 years old, address issues such as teen

pregnancy, poor school performance and personal/

community responsibility. The program focuses on at-risk

and disadvantaged youth. Utilizing the Wyman Teen

Outreach Program® (TOP) curriculum, CCST engages

youth in activities aimed at improving communication, self worth, accountability,

personal and social awareness, and noncognitive abilities (life skills). CCST is an effort

led by the Clayton County Board of Health.

About . . .

T

C

11

CCST Year One Highlights Sept. 1, 2010 - Aug. 31, 2011

CCBOH successfully recruited and hired qualified management, health education, and support staff to implement CCST. CCBOH also established a strong operational framework supported by internal controls tomonitor programmatic outcomes.

CCBOH identified and selected two initial TOP® Clubs to conduct a six-week pilot. Four (4) additional sites were then established to conduct anine-week pilot of the program.

CCBOH established strategic partnerships with more than a dozen youth-serving agencies in Clayton County, including the GeorgiaDepartment of Juvenile Justice, foster care providers, a mental healthprovider, faith-based organizations, academic enrichment programs and men-toring programs.

CCST team members traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to receive trainingand certification in the use of TOP® intervention and the ChangingScenes Curriculum©.

CCST established “Community Voices for Youth” to identify potential partners and TOP® Club sites. Sites were selected based on their safety;credibility and community standing; location (proximity to areas with high teen birth rates); history of providing services to youth; and organizationalcapacity.

CCST held the first annual Clayton County Teen Summit/Expo on May 21, 2011 in order to increase community awareness of CCST teen pregnancy prevention activities, CCBOH services, and communityresources that promote positive youth development. Approximately 200teens and parents attended, gaining valuable insight through interactive workshops, breakout sessions and other activities.

CCST's Youth Services Provider Academy was conducted August 29-30,2011. More than 70 agency representatives participated in two days of training and capacity-building activities.

By the end of Year 1, CCST successfully implemented its pilot programat six sites and selected 15 TOP® Club sites for Year 2 implementation.


CCST Year Two Highlights Sept. 1, 2011 - Aug. 31, 2012

Ten (10) program sites, hosting 13 TOP® Clubs, served more than 300youth for the duration of the project year. The ten sites were: Faith OpenDoor, Inc.; Ladies of Favor, Inc.; Clayton Center Community Service Board;Youth Empowerment Project, Inc.; Forest Park Street School/PreventionPLUS, Inc.; Riverwood Townhouses; Teens Initiating Change, Inc. (T.I.C.);

Tips 4 Teens, Inc.; Hearts to Nourish Hope, Inc.; and the Jim Huie RecreationCenter.

CCBOH launched a comprehensive marketing and public awareness

campaign targeting youth and youth-serving organizations around the

county. This included earned media (newspaper and broadcast news coverage), paid media (billboards) and various outreach activities.

CCST held its annual Clayton County Teen Summit on May 19, 2012.The goals of the Summit were to raise awareness of critical issues hinderingpositive youth development, such as teen pregnancy, youth violence and bullying; and to encourage action. Teens played a larger role in this Summitby serving as Youth Ambassadors. Approximately 400 teens and parentsattended the event.

CCST hosted a six-week Youth Leadership and Job Readiness Institutefrom June 25-August 10, 2012 to prepare youth for life after high school.

CCST's Youth Services Provider Academy was conducted August 9-10,2012, targeting organizations in and around the county. The Academyfocused on raising awareness of youth development challenges, promotingconstructive dialogue, and finding collective solutions. Forty-six (46) agencyrepresentatives participated in the two-day workshop.

CCST hosted the Clayton County Teen Maze on August 25, 2012.Coordinated with the help of more than 30 community organizations, theMaze simulated the long-term consequences of positive and negative lifechoices. Stations were set up by various community agencies to exposeteens to a wide range of scenarios, including a pregnancy simulation, parent-hood, incarceration, having a sexually-transmitted infection, hospitalization,driving under the influence and death. More than 160 youth participated in theTeen Maze.

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About . . .

2012 U.S. Census Figures (Clayton County, GA)

Population: 265,888

Persons under 18 years of age: 28.5%

Female: 52.3%

White (Caucasian): 25.1%

Black (African American): 67%

Asian: 5.1%

Other Races: 2.8%

Persons who identify as Latino or Hispanic: 13.4%

High school graduates: 82.1%

Persons with a bachelor's degree or higher: 17.8%

Homeownership rate: 59.1%

Unemployment rate: 10.6% (July 2013)

Persons living below the poverty level: 18.4%

Median household income: $42,936

About Clayton Countylayton County is a suburban community just south of downtown Atlanta, as well

as the home of the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

Airport. Clayton is one of Georgia's smallest counties in land size with an area of 146

square miles. Yet, with a population of 265,888 (2012 U.S. Census estimate), it is one

of the most densely populated counties.

C

1


1

Our Youth. Our Future.layton County Board of Health (CCBOH) recognizes that

there are a variety of variables that can contribute to a teen

becoming pregnant. Efforts to address teen pregnancy through

the diffusion of evidence-based interventions are strengthened by

complimentary youth development programming.

Addressing teen pregnancy and breaking the cycle of poverty

associated with it requires community collaboration and approaches that address the

whole teen, not just the problem. That is why CCBOH is so passionate about Clayton

Can Soar to the Top (CCST) and the interventions provided by Wyman's Teen Outreach

Program® (TOP).

Sexual risk-taking among teens is a complex cultural issue, reflecting that many

young people are struggling against great odds to build healthy, productive lives.

CCST's approach is to empower youth by providing constructive growth and

development opportunities leading to positive outcomes. This report frames the teen

birth and pregnancy challenges in Clayton County and offers CCST as a positive

change agent for Clayton County’s youth.

CCBOH and CCST truly believe that our youth are our future. As we enter the final

two years of CCST implementation, we hope to inspire even more dialogue and

community partnerships around youth development. We hope this report encourages

you to become as passionate about youth development as we are.

Alpha Fowler Bryan, M.D.

Clayton County District Health Director


Letter from the Director

C

Acknowledgements

Alpha Fowler Bryan, MDDistrict Health Director


Rosalyn K. Bacon, MPHDistrict Deputy Director

Project Director, Wyman Champion

Rolanda Patrick, MPHProgram Manager

Office of CoordinatedY outh ServicesCCST Program Manager

Jevon C. Gibson, MAProgram Manager

Office of Coordinated Youth ServicesCCST Program Manager (2010-2012)

Michelle BattsMarketing & PR Consultant

Office of Coordinated Youth Services

Joel HallPublic Information Officer

Clayton County Board of Health

As of July 2013, CCST:Has served:

More than 1300 youthHas sponsored:37 TOP® Clubs

Has collaborated with:21 youth-serving organizations


Clayton CountyBoard of Health

Responding to Teen Births & Pregnancy

in Clayton County:A Youth

Development Approach

"Clayton Teens

R 2 Great 2 No

t

Succee

d!"

Clayton County Board of HealthCCST Program

1117 Battle Creek RoadJonesboro, GA 30236

Phone: (678) 479-2220 | Fax: (770) 603-4872

www.claytoncountypublichealth.orgThis publication was made possible by Grant Number TP1AH000034from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office ofAdolescent Health. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authorsand do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department ofHealth and Human Services or the Office of Adolescent Health.


responding to teen births & pregnancy in clayton county

Documents

clayton countys youth

department of health

ccst year

teen births pregnancy

office of adolescent

office ofadolescent

development opportunities

thewhole teen