Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD)

What is the purpose of the program?

The purpose of the Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) program is to enhance the skills and improve the health status of Georgia's adolescents through opportunities and programs developed in collaboration with families, communities, schools and other public and private organizations throughout Georgia.

Why is the program important?

AHYD programs and services provide a network of community-based support to help adolescents succeed as they move into adulthood by focusing on the "assets" of individual youth and their families. AHYD-sponsored programs reinforce positive attitudes, healthy behaviors and activities, and reduce risk-taking behaviors, such as violence, substance abuse, poor school performance and sexual activity.

Who is eligible?

AHYD programs and services target youth age 10 to 19.

What does the AHYD program do?

The AHYD Program is located in the Georgia Division of Public Health, Family Health Branch. AHYD program strategies and activities are an integral part of the Georgia Maternal Child Health System. The program:

• Offers comprehensive adolescent health services aimed at reducing risk behaviors and poor health outcomes within targeted communities.
• Provides population based prevention and public education activities programs, aimed at promoting responsible, healthy lifestyle behaviors and abstinence.
• Uses community partnership and collaboration as the mechanisms for involving parents, youth and others in promoting positive youth development.
• Provides outreach and public education activities in coordination with Medicaid and WIC that create awareness and access among hard-to-reach youth and their families.

How many people does the program help?

In FY 2006, the Office of Adolescent Health and Youth Development provided individual services to 63,165 youth statewide including 45,879 comprehensive health services and 14,552 referrals to health and community services.

Are services located throughout the State?

Yes, AHYD offer services in communities throughout Georgia and at 31 Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program sites located in 28 counties.

Outcome measures are directly linked to national and state goals for reducing welfare dependency, specifically:

• Reduce the percent of repeat pregnancies among adolescents, aged 15 through 17.
• Reduce the rate (per 1,000) of births for teenagers, aged 15 through 17.
• Reduce the rate (per 100,000) of deaths to children, ages 14 years and younger, caused by motor vehicle crashes.
• Reduce the percent of children without health insurance, aged 10 through 19.
• Increase the percent of youth with special health care needs who received the services necessary to make transitions to all aspects of adult life, including adult health care, work, and independence.

Legislative authority

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, a federal welfare reform law requiring state initiatives on teenage pregnancy prevention, out-of-wedlock births, and male responsibility.

Contact: Office of Adolescent Health & Youth Development
Phone: (404) 656-6679
http://health.state.ga.us/programs/adolescent/