The Power of Plain Talk

Exploring One Program's Influence on the Adolescent Reproductive Health Field

By Public/Private Ventures

May 1, 2006

Summary

Launched by the Annie E. Casey Foundation in the early 1990s, Plain Talk was a community-based initiative to reduce teen pregnancy through adult/teen communication about sex. The key element is parental involvement. To determine if Plain Talk had a positive influence on the field's view of parental involvement, and on a number of other related issues, interviews were conducted with leaders from prominent teen sexuality organizations. This report compiles the results.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Plain Talk supports parents in talking to teens about sex

Interviewees described Plain Talk as unique and needed for the following reasons:

  • It empowers parents;
  • It provides accurate information to parents;
  • It is community based and reflects the culture of the community;
  • It respects parents’ values;
  • It respects teens' feelings and opinions;
  • It gets the community working together to solve the problem; and
  • It changes social norms.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations