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Portland, Oregon, September 30, 2003. Northwest Family Services has received two federal grants and a contract through the State of Oregon in support of its Youth Solutions project. The Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs (Title XX) awarded NWFS $225,000 a year for five years (2002-2007). The Maternal Child and Health Bureau awarded NWFS $789,839 a year for three years (2003-2005). This award is a community-based SPRANS grant in which NWFS, Multnomah County Health Department, Pregnancy Resource Center of Greater Portland, and Catholic Charities of Oregon are partners in providing abstinence education throughout Oregon. This July, through Oregon's Adult and Family Services, Northwest Family Services was awarded a three-year contract and will annually receive $101,500 to provide abstinence education (2003-2005). The state award is part of the Title V abstinence education funding which all states and provinces are eligible to receive.

The Youth Solutions project works with Oregon schools and organizations to implement proven programs. It will include several components: the FACTS/Datos teen abstinence curriculum series, the Promises, Truth or Consequences, and Encuentros abstinence dramas, peer leadership, and family workshops. These programs are available in English and Spanish. As part of the grants, special outreach will occur to the Latino community, to at-risk youth, and to parents. Over 100,000 Oregon students have participated in the Youth Solutions project during the past several years.

Rose Fuller, Executive Director, comments, "We are delighted to have the opportunity to assist Oregon students. Teen pregnancy rates have been dropping and are at all time low levels. Our research is showing the impact Youth Solutions is making."

"This is a program that has been overwhelmingly well received by the communities that have participated. It appeals to students, teachers, and parents alike. Parents feel that their values are being reinforced at school and students find the program to be interactive and fun. Administrators and counselors tell me that they see a distinct, positive change in the school environment. One twenty-five year veteran teacher told me that she had taught four different sex education curricula throughout her teaching career, and the Youth Solutions curriculum is the best she's ever used," states Cindy Bankston, Youth Program Coordinator.

Youth Solutions is having a positive effect for all students, even those who have been sexually involved. The project is being evaluated by Tary J. Tobin, Ph.D., Educational and Community Supports, University of Oregon, College of Education, Eugene, Oregon.