Family Planning of Clallam County Youth Education for Homeless and Street Youth and At-risk Adolescents

	Youth Education for Homeless and Street Youth and At-risk Adolescents
Home Services Programs FPCC Events Links to Resources You Can Help About Us
		In cooperation with the Clallam County YMCA and Serenity House, Family Planning of Clallam County is pleased to offer health education services to youth who are homeless, living in poverty, or are at-risk for unhealthy behaviors.
		The goal of the Youth Education Program is to improve the health and social well-being of adolescents most at risk for teen pregnancy and other dangerous behaviors, notably adolescents living in poverty and homeless youth.
		Through meal-based activities at the Y-House and the Dream Center, participants build communication and decision-making skills that enable them to resist pressure to engage in risky behaviors. Because food and shelter are the main problems encountered by homeless youth and those living in poverty, by offering the Youth Education Program during events such as "Feed the Teens" nights, FPCC can provide education, referrals and advocacy to prevent teen pregnancies in this high risk group while they are most engaged.
		Why provide this service? Currently between 1.3 and 2.8 million homeless youth live on the streets. This extremely vulnerable population is underserved and reportedly, underestimated in this rural community. Currently, the region's homeless count consists of over eighty (80) homeless adolescents and numerous youth who "couch-surf". Pregnancy among these children is a critical issue it has been reported that over 94% of homeless youth engage in sexual activity. Further, 41% of homeless and runaway females report pregnancy (2002) and most startling is a national study of homeless youth which found the pregnancy rate of 13-15 year old homeless girls to be 14%.
		For further information, please contact FPCC at (360) 452-2954