In May 2001, a three-year independent evaluation of The Children’s Aid Society Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program was announced, revealing strikingly positive outcomes. "This evaluation takes us from probable knowledge to certain knowledge about how to prevent teen pregnancy in the United States," says Dr. Michael A. Carrera.

The program was tested among 941 low-income teens, aged 13 to 15, at 12 sites in seven U.S. cities. The evaluation was conducted by Philliber Research Associates of Accord, NY and supported by the Robin Hood Foundation and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

According to the evaluation, the CAS Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program is the only program working with teens in disadvantaged communities that has achieved reductions in both pregnancies and births. The girls also had better outcomes in areas such as sexuality, reproductive knowledge, health care usage, and computer use. In fact, pregnancy and births for teen girls in our program were nearly 50% less than for teen girls in the control groups. Program girls were also three times more likely than control girls to have used effective contraception at last intercourse.

The following are statistically significantly findings:

The Carrera model reduced births among girls by 50%. Considering other factors that contribute to pregnancy, girls in the control group had three times the odds of becoming pregnant.

The model was successful in part because programs maintained enduring relationships with the young people; Eighty percent of the teens remained connected to the program for at least three years, many for longer periods. During this time, the model increased their capacity to avoid early pregnancy. Compared to the control group:

Sexuality-related knowledge gains were 83% higher among CAS-Carrera teens.

The percentage with a reproductive health visit was 26% higher among CAS-Carrera teens overall and 50% higher among boys.

The percentage of girls using effective contraception was 2 times higher among CAS-Carrera teens.

The model also increased the desire to avoid early pregnancy. Compared to the control group:

The percentage reporting improved schoolwork is 22% higher among CAS-Carrera teens.

The percentage visiting colleges was 31% higher among CAS-Carrera teens.

The percentage with work experiences was 16% higher among the CAS-Carrera teens.

The percentage with bank accounts was 84% higher among the CAS-Carrera teens.

The percentage with computer literacy was 16% higher among the CAS-Carrera teens.

Higher graduation and college enrollment rates:

Of 123 control kids who were eligible to graduate from high school, 48 (39%) enrolled in college.

Of 137 program kids who were eligible to graduate from high school, 84 (61%) enrolled in college.

The model resulted in additional health benefits, particularly among boys. Compared to the control group:

The percentage of boys with comprehensive health care, including access to a provider other than the emergency room, social as well as medical assessments, dental care and receipt of the Hepatitis B vaccine was 25% higher among CAS-Carrera teens.

The percentage of boys initiating marijuana use was 25% lower among CAS-Carrera teens.