Teen Outreach Program: Palm Beach
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The Teen Outreach Program (TOP) is a developmental intervention that attempts to help teens understand and evaluate their life options. The program is designed to prevent problematic behaviors in adolescents. TOP helps teens build a foundation of healthy behaviors, life skills and a sense of purpose through a four-level curriculum designed to match each developmental stage from 6th through 12th grade. It is based on the notion that (1) a heightened awareness of life options, (2) increased knowledge of those options and how to effectively pursue them, and (3) enhanced and diverse experiences with various life options will lead to a variety of positive outcomes, primarily scholastic success as measured by reduced course failure and suspension rates and a decrease in pregnancy rates. Based on the principles of youth development, and the social emotional well-being and mental health of teens, TOP provides teens with the necessary supports and opportunities to prepare for successful adulthood and avoid problem behavior. This program is locally funded by Children Services Council of Palm Beach County.
Goal / Mission
To enable teens from disadvantaged circumstances to develop healthy behaviors, life skills, and a sense of purpose in order to prevent problem behaviors.
Impact
This program equips teens to better develop healthy behaviors and relationships,
develop life and leadership skills, and achieve educational
success.
develop life and leadership skills, and achieve educational
success.
Results / Accomplishments
In operation since 1976, TOP has approximately 400 program locations across the United States, the Virgin Islands, and the United Kingdom, reaching more than an estimated 22,800 youth. According to a national study conducted in 2001, teens that participate in the TOP are at 52% lower risk of school suspension (p<.001), 60% lower risk of course failure (p<.001), and 53% lower risk of pregnancy (p<.001).
The Primary Project has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being designated a "Promising Prevention Program" by the U.S. Department of Education's Safe, Disciplined and Drug-Free Schools Expert Panel, being recognized as one of five exemplary prevention programs in the nation in "Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General (December 1999)", National Mental Health Association's Lela Rowland Award for Outstanding Prevention Programs (1989), and being validated through New York State's Education Department as a successful program.
The Primary Project has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being designated a "Promising Prevention Program" by the U.S. Department of Education's Safe, Disciplined and Drug-Free Schools Expert Panel, being recognized as one of five exemplary prevention programs in the nation in "Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General (December 1999)", National Mental Health Association's Lela Rowland Award for Outstanding Prevention Programs (1989), and being validated through New York State's Education Department as a successful program.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Children Services Council Palm Beach County
Primary Contact
Wynsome McLean
Children Services Council Palm Beach County
2300 High Ridge Road
Boynton Beach FL 33426
561-841-3500 ext. 2261
wmclean@cp-cto.org
http://cscpbc.org/
Children Services Council Palm Beach County
2300 High Ridge Road
Boynton Beach FL 33426
561-841-3500 ext. 2261
wmclean@cp-cto.org
http://cscpbc.org/
Topics
Health
Education
Community / Social Environment
Education
Community / Social Environment
Organization(s)
Children Services Council Palm Beach County
Date of publication
2001
Date of implementation
2011
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Boyton Beach, Florida/Palm Beach County, Florida
For more details
Target Audience
Teens
Submitted By
Children Services Council Palm Beach County