Earlier this year, the U.S. Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Adolescent Health launched a nation-wide competitive bid for replicating teen pregnancy prevention programs deemed effective through vigorous evaluation. The Children’s Aid Society-Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program (CAS-Carrera) was listed among the 28 models that HHS identified as evidence-based, and only one of two models backed by well-conducted randomized controlled trials showing a sustained impact on reducing teen pregnancy rates. Of the 75 grantees that were awarded a total of $75 million, nine agencies representing eight states were selected to launch the renowned CAS-Carrera model in their communities.
The program model, initiated by Dr. Michael A. Carrera over 25 years ago, uses a holistic, scientifically-proven seven-core component approach that empowers young people to develop personal goals, build resilience, generate a genuine desire to delay childbearing and, in turn, lead long, productive lives. The Carrera program operates five days a week, some Saturdays and six weeks during the summer from age 11 through high school graduation. Participants continue with the same cohort of peers year-round until they graduate from high school and enter college.
