Teen pregnancy prevention efforts, particularly for highrisk
youth, are most effective if they are part of a youth
development framework that addresses multiple risk
factors. Healthy development for adolescents is related
to family support, positive peer influences, effective
education, safe schools and communities, and an array
of other issues. Positive youth development programs—
which promote healthy development for youth through
greater community and adult support—address the full
range of risks young people face and can best prevent
unplanned pregnancies, involvement with the criminal
justice system, or dropping out of school.
This brief outlines disparities in teen pregnancy and
birth rates, identifies teen populations at high risk for
pregnancy, and examines prevention programs that target
these populations. Aiming pregnancy prevention efforts at
high-risk groups can allow policymakers to more effectively
address teen pregnancy and problems stemming from it.