Introduction
Research Questions
- Where are programs that primarily served homeless and runaway youth implemented?
- What are demographic and behavioral characteristics of youth in programs that primarily served homeless or runaway youth?
- What are the sexual intention outcomes of youth in programs that primarily served homeless or runaway youth?
This brief summarizes key characteristics of programs funded through the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) that reported at least half of the youth they served were homeless or runaway youth. PREP, which aims to reduce teen pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and associated risk behaviors, is administered by the Family and Youth Services Bureau within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Funding is awarded to states and territories through formula grants (State PREP), and through a competitive process to tribes and tribal entities (Tribal PREP) and to direct service providers in states and territories that did not take State PREP funding (Competitive PREP).
Purpose
This brief is one in a series that will inform stakeholders and the public about the PREP program.
Key Findings and Highlights
Thirteen programs across eight states reported primarily serving homeless and runaway youth. These programs served about 1,000 youth each year, largely through community-based organizations. Most youth in these programs reported being White or Black or African American, and most were ages 15 to 18. About two-thirds of youth reported being sexually active before entering the program. After PREP, more than one-third of the youth in these programs reported they were less likely to have sex in the next six months, and a large majority reported they were more likely to use condoms and birth control if they have sex.
Methods
PREP grantees submit performance measures data to ACF each year. These findings are based on performance measures data submitted by State PREP, Tribal PREP, and Competitive PREP grantees for the 2014–2015 reporting period.
Citation
Murphy, Lauren, Susan Zief, and Lara Hulsey (2018). “Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) Snapshot – Input and Outcomes: PREP Programs Serving Runaway and Homeless Youth.” OPRE Report # 2018-44. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Glossary
- PREP:
- Personal Responsibility Education Program
- SPREP:
- State PREP
- TPREP:
- Tribal PREP
- CPREP:
- Competitive PREP