Program Overview
Street Smart is an HIV/AIDS and STD prevention program high risk youth. The Street Smart program is based on social learning theory, which links feelings, attitudes, and thoughts to behavior change. Street Smart is conducted over a six- to eight-week period with 10-12 youth. The program consists of eight 1 ½ to 2 hour group sessions, one individual counseling session, and one visit to a community-based organization that provides healthcare. Each session has specific goals on HIV/AIDS, STDs, pregnancy prevention, coping and negotiation skills, personalized risk behaviors and reducing drug and alcohol use. Group members participate in scripted and non-scripted role plays, activities, and video production.

 

Target Population
The Street Smart program targets high risk youth, ages 11 to 18.


Research Results
After Street Smart was implemented, it yielded these results:

• Participants reported lower rates of substance use and unprotected sex acts.
• After the group sessions, young women self-reported greater reductions in substance abuse and unprotected sex acts than young men.
• African-American youth self-reported less substance use than youth of other ethnic groups.

For More Information on Street Smart
To obtain additional information about the technical assistance system and/or to get your name on a list for a future training, please visit our website www.effectiveinterventions.org. If you do not have access to the web, you may also call (800) 462-9521, or email interventions@aed.org.