Giving Compass' Take:

· Social Programs That Work analyzes the work and strategies of the Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention program for economically disadvantaged youths in America. 

· How do unintended pregnancies contribute to economic difficulties? How do pregnancy prevention programs help disadvantaged youths lead successful lives? 

· Here's more on the Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program.

This trial evaluated the program as implemented in well-managed community youth agencies, where teens chose to participate in a recruitment campaign and had parental consent. Thus, the trial’s findings apply only to the program as implemented under such conditions and cannot be presumed to apply, for example, to a more reluctant teen/parent population.

The program also provides free mental health and medical care through alliances with local health care providers. A key component is reproductive health care, including physical exams, testing for sexually transmitted infections, a range of contraceptive options, and counseling. Carrera program staff schedule the teens’ appointments and accompany them on their visits.

Key Findings: For girls, 40-50% reductions in pregnancies and births three years after random assignment (at average age 17). For boys, no effect on causing a pregnancy. Evidence of effects on high school completion and college enrollment are promising but not yet Top Tier due to study limitations.

Read the full article about the Carrera program at Social Programs That Work.