Teen Outreach Program (TOP)
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 problem behaviors in adolescents. 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.
Goal / Mission
The program aims to develop healthy behaviors, life skills, and a sense of purpose in order to prevent problem behaviors.
Impact
Studies have shown that adolescents in the Teen Outreach Program are at 52% lower risk of school suspension, 60% lower risk of course failure, and 53% lower risk of teenage pregnancy.
Results / Accomplishments
In operation since 1976, TOP has reached over 35,000 youth. According to a national study conducted in 2001, teens who participate in the TOP are at 52% lower risk of school suspension, 60% lower risk of course failure, and 53% lower risk of pregnancy.
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)
Wyman Center
Primary Contact
Teen Outreach Program
http://teenoutreachprogram.com/
http://teenoutreachprogram.com/
Topics
Health / Adolescent Health
Community / Civic Engagement
Education / Student Performance K-12
Community / Civic Engagement
Education / Student Performance K-12
Organization(s)
Wyman Center
Source
Promising Practices Network
For more details
http://www.promisingpractices.net/program.asp?prog...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC177302...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC177302...
Target Audience
Teens