The Evaluation of Abstinence Education Programs Funded Under Title V Section 510: Interim Report

This report on program implementation notes that most of the programs studied offer much more than "just say no." In addition to delivering a clear and consistent message of abstinence until marriage, programs focus on building self-esteem, developing values, formulating goals, making decisions, avoiding risky behavior, maximizing communication, strengthening relationships, and other issues. Generally, youth like what the programs offer, although programs face challenges in addressing peer pressure and communication between parents and children. Furthermore, establishing partnerships with schools has been challenging, although many programs are successful at meeting these challenges and creating a promising school-program partnership.