11. Adolescent Sexual Wellness: Embracing Some Risk While Promoting Healthy Sexual Behavior Through Chat

Established with the goal of reducing STI and teen birth rates among youth across the city, the Chicago Healthy Adolescents and Teens (CHAT) program uses an innovative approach by bringing sex-positive education and testing services to students in Chicago Public Schools. This intervention begins with a non-judgmental “just the facts” presentation on reducing risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy while promoting students’ autonomy in making their own sexual health decisions. To normalize testing and address needs of students at risk for STIs, the presentation is followed by an optional, confidential STI tes t at school and one-on-one session with a health counselor.
Source: Journal of Adolescent Health - Category: Child Development Authors: Source Type: research