Focus on Kids is a comprehensive peer-to-peer HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, hepatitis and sexually transmitted infection (STI) education and prevention program for youth and young adults. The program has been adapted from a Center for Disease Control (CDC) approved curriculum, Focus on Kids, to prevent HIV and other youth health prevention and education programs. The program addresses cultural issues affecting youth and young adults. It has been translated to be implemented in Spanish. The following are topics that are covered in each session:

Participant Development:

• Decision Making Skills
• Values Clarification
• Communication Styles
• Knowledge about Risky Behaviors

Parent involvement

The LAYC recognizes the importance of parent involvement in their children’s education. As part of this initiative, the LAYC encourages all parents to be actively involved. The Focus on Kids program staff provides youth and their parents with referrals to LAYC and other community programs. The program also includes a parent-youth communication session where the staff talks to the parents and their children about the importance of communication.

Parent & Participant Orientation and Voluntary Pre-Test

Session 1: Trust Building and Group Cohesion
Session 2: Risks and Values
Session 3: Educate Yourself: Obtaining Information
Session 4: Introduction to STIs
Session 5: STIs Continued
Session 6: Educate Yourself: Examining Consequences
Session 7: Skills Building Communication
Session 8: Sexual Health Information Risk, Alcohol Use and Relationships and Substance Abuse
Session 9: Attitudes and Skills for Sexual Health Risk
Session 10: Hepatitis Review and Plan Community Project
Session 11: Substance Abuse Prevention: Tobacco
Session 12: Substance Abuse Prevention: Alcohol
Session 13: Substance Abuse Prevention: Other Drugs
Session 14: Substance Abuse Prevention: Review
Session 15: Review and Community Service Project
Session 16: Community Project
Session 17: Guest Panel
Session 18: Voluntary Post-Test, Graduation

Eligibility:

• Youth between the ages of 13-21 years old
• DC resident
• Youth with a strong desire to learn about HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention

Requirements:

• Complete LAYC Application Form
• Parent’s or Legal Guardian’s permission
• Attend the group sessions twice a week for 9 weeks (18 session total) and other program activities

Benefits:

• Incentives throughout the program
• Team-building
• Field trips/retreats/events
• Community service hours
• Stipend

Contact Information

Patty Santucci,
Program Coordinator
202.518.3535
patty@layc-dc.org

1419 Columbia Road, NW
Washington, DC 20009

Program Sponsored By:
Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Grant No. SP13391-01