The Adolescent Family Life Act: Content, Findings, and Policy Recommendations for Pregnancy Prevention Programs

Abstract

Presents a review of the policy manifested in the Adolescent Family Life Act, an examination of the curricula of 24 funded programs in light of what is known about adolescent sexual behavior, and a summary of program evaluations. Current policy includes programs advocating abstinence or delay of sexual activity. Encouraging family involvement and parent-adolescent communication about sexual values are additional policy directives. The effectiveness of these programs has yet to be established, partly due to funding limits for evaluation imposed by the bill. Recommendations for future policy are suggested, including further research examining what variables are related to adolescent sexual activity, and increased funding for program evaluation.