Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program
Federal Guidance
The purpose of the Title V State Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) Program is to:
- Provide information that is Medically Accurate and Complete and Age-Appropriate
- Provide education with an evidence-based approach based on adolescent learning and developmental theories for the age group receiving the education and be culturally appropriate recognizing the experiences of youth from diverse communities, backgrounds, and experiences
- Implement programming utilizing a Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach
- Target youth populations that are the most high-risk or vulnerable for pregnancies
Statutory Authority: The State Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) Program is authorized and funded by Section 510 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 710), as amended by Section 50502 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Pub. L. No. 115-123) and extended by Division CC, Title III, Section 303 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. No. 116-260).
Iowa's SRAE Program
IDPH is the administrator of Iowa's SRAE funding and awards contracts to community-based organizations and agencies to deliver SRAE programming. Local contractors deliver programs in multiple high risk counties in Iowa. IDPH underwent a prioritization process that looked at a number of indicators related to teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and vulnerable populations to determine which counties would be targeted to receive programming.
Iowa’s overarching goals of the SRAE program are to:
Goal 1: Delay initiation of sexual activity and reduce the rate of pregnancy, birth and STIs, including HIV/AIDS, to vulnerable youth populations ages 10-19.
Goal 2: Support and empower Iowa youth to have healthy relationships, make healthy decisions and positive life choices as they transition into adulthood.
Goal 3: Increase capacity and infrastructure at the state and community level to deliver and sustain services that positively impact youth, families and communities.
Iowa’s SRAE program implements Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program® (TOP). TOP promotes the positive development of adolescents through curriculum-guided, interactive group discussions; positive adult guidance and support; and community service learning. TOP is designed to meet the developmental needs of middle and high school teens and can be implemented in a variety of settings, including but not limited to, in school, after school, alternative schools and community-based settings. The TOP curriculum is focused on key topics related to adolescent health and development, including building social, emotional, and life skills; developing a positive sense of self; and connecting with others.
Resources
For more information contact:
Mary Greene
Executive Officer 2
Mary.Greene@idph.iowa.gov
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