Adolescent Health and Youth Development FY 2021 Report
Adolescent Health and Youth Development
DPH’s Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) Program is based on the Positive Youth Development Approach as recommended by the Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Positive Youth Development approach engages youth within their communities, schools and organizations, peer groups and families in a productive and constructive manner. It utilizes and recognizes young people’s strengths and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships and furnishing the support needed to build on their strengths. Like DASH, AHYD aims to prevent HIV, STDs, and pregnancy among all youth.
The AHYD program is administered by Youth Development Coordinators (YDC) at the local level. The YDCs coordinate efforts between district and county health departments. Youth Development Coordinators form critical partnerships with schools, afterschool programs, and community-based organizations, holding workshops with parents, faith-based institutions, and public health leaders to foster collaboration around key adolescent health and youth development issues.
A portion of the AHYD work plan requires YDCs to implement evidenced-based risk reduction strategies addressing teen pregnancy prevention. These evidenced-based skill-building activities include communication, goal setting, decision making, assessing and the benefits of abstaining from risky behaviors.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention fosters building healthy behaviors, developing life skills and promoting positive youth development.
The AHYD program aims to support adolescents to develop healthy, educated and employable lifestyles as adults. It aims to keep adolescents connected to their families and communities.
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Page last updated 1/19/2024