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 Page 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
Principal Investigator, Wyman Champion
Letter from the Director
C
Acknowledgements
Alpha Fowler Bryan, MDDistrict Health Director
Principal Investigator, Wyman Champion
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 teenage brochure 11/26/13 12:00 PM Page 2
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
clayton teenage brochure 11/26/13 12:00 PM Page 3
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.
clayton teenage brochure 11/26/13 12:01 PM Page 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
clayton teenage brochure 11/26/13 12:01 PM Page 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
clayton teenage brochure 11/26/13 12:01 PM Page 6
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
clayton teenage brochure 11/26/13 12:01 PM Page 7
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
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
clayton teenage brochure 11/26/13 12:01 PM Page 7
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
clayton teenage brochure 11/26/13 12:01 PM Page 6
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
clayton teenage brochure 11/26/13 12:01 PM Page 5
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 . . .
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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.
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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.
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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
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Acknowledgements
Alpha Fowler Bryan, MDDistrict Health Director
Principal Investigator, Wyman Champion
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
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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.
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