TP1AH000319

Caring for Youth in the Far West Valley: Developing Optimal Adolescent Health Through a Systemic Approach

Although teen birth rates have declined nationwide, youth in Arizona are still at higher risk of getting pregnant or acquiring sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STD/I) than youth in at least 42 other states, with Arizona ranking 8th in STD/Is. Touchstone Behavioral Health (doing business as Touchstone Health Services/THS) proposes to provide comprehensive, multi-faceted teen pregnancy prevention programs in sixteen ZIP codes served by two large school districts and several partner community agencies in Maricopa County, Arizona that are in dire need of services.

This region has youth who are at higher risk for pregnancy, STD/Is, and risky behaviors that keep them from achieving optimal health. The contiguous ZIP codes in the geographic area, known as the Far West Valley, are served by: (1) Agua Fria Union High School District (AFUHSD); (2) Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD); (3) six Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley; (4) Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK) Foster Care; (5) Duet: Partners in Health & Aging; and (6) Onward Hope, Inc.

Although THS will serve all youth in the selected ZIP codes, there will be a special effort made to reach four populations of focus through a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS): (1) Latino youth and their parents, as Latinos continue to have the highest teen birth rates of any race and ethnicity; (2) youth being raised by their grandparents, as they are at higher risk for developmental and behavioral problems due to prior or current adverse family environment; (3) youth being raised in foster care who may live with relatives, foster families, or in group facilities and their caretakers, as their life experiences can create additional problems resulting in mental illness, substance use disorders, and a lack of confidence; and (4) youth who are in alternative schools for reasons to include behavioral and attendance challenges and their parents.

Resources for the populations of focus are scarce in general, and especially in the geographic boundaries. There is evidence from partners that youth are engaging in risk behaviors that are linked to early sexual behaviors and unsafe sex (e.g., substance use, violence, poor decision making, lack of self-esteem). These at-risk youth are experiencing poor mental health, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), family conflict, conduct problems, and chronic stress.

While often characterized as a time of turmoil and risk for young people, adolescence is a developmental period rich with opportunity for youth to learn and grow. During this time, youth have the potential to become individuals able to make healthy decisions and form healthy relationships with others. THS will build upon existing experiences, opportunities, and relationships to become vectors of resilience and restoration for youth affected by the adversities and/or trauma caused by multiple experiences.

The support needed will be offered through tiered programs and services at four unique settings, reaching an estimated 33,957 at the end of the project period.

Touchstone Behavioral Health

NOT APPLICABLE

93.297 - Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program

HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) [HHS]

Office of Adolescent Health [HHS - OASH]

Arizona United States

State-Wide

Advancing Equity in Adolescent Health through Evidence-Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs and Services (AH-TP1-23-001)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 157% from $1,573,544 to $4,041,088.