Evaluation of the Oregon Youth Development Project

Abstract:

This evaluation includes a randomized controlled trial to test how a parental component might enhance health education program in public middle schools with the purpose of delaying sexual initiation among the eighth grade students. Northwest Family Services youth leaders worked with health education teachers in 14 middle schools from 6 school districts to assist the schools with their sexuality education programs. Half of the schools were randomly assigned to the experimental group and half to the control group. Both groups received the same intervention for the youth but only the experimental group had an intervention for parents. The intervention for parents had multiple components, including in-person workshops and online informational programs about parent-child communication. Extent of parental involvement was tracked. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were used to collect information from the students. Parents also completed a questionnaire so that the perceptions of the child and of the parent can be compared. In addition, the evaluation will address issues related to program implementation, dissemination of results, and sustainability.

Funding:

Northwest Family Services                                                                                

Duration:

 18 Months: 09/2008 to 03/2011

Staff:

• Tary J. Tobin, Ph.D.
• Claudia G. Vincent, Ph.D.

Contact:

For more information about this project, please contact Tary J. Tobin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.