Registries of Programs Effective in Reducing Youth Risk Behaviors

Various federal agencies have identified youth-related programs that they consider worthy of recommendation on the basis of expert opinion or a review of design and research evidence. These programs focus on different health topics, risk behaviors, and settings. Some, but not all, of these programs have shown evidence in reducing youth risk behaviors.

Each agency has its own process and criteria for determining the programs that are worthy of recommendation. Users are encouraged to review each web site to understand the inclusion criteria the registry used.

Federal Registries
Health Topics/Risk Behaviors Addressed:
  • HIV/AIDS prevention
  • Sexually transmitted disease prevention

Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Health Topics/Risk Behaviors Addressed:
  • Drug abuse prevention

Sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Health Topics/Risk Behaviors Addressed:
  • Character education
  • Dropout prevention
  • Personal/social development
  • Violence prevention

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences

Health Topics/Risk Behaviors Addressed:
  • Teen pregnancy
  • Early sexual involvement
  • Substance use prevention
  • Victimization and exposure to violence
  • Protective factors

Sponsored by the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP)

Health Topics/Risk Behaviors Addressed:
  • HPV vaccination
  • Informed decision making

Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute

Non-Federal Registries
Health Topics/Risk Behaviors Addressed:
  • Bullying in Schools
  • Youth Violence
  • Teen Substance Abuse
  • Antisocial, Aggressive Behavior
  • Childhood Obesity
  • School Failure
  • Delinquency
  • Youth Depression/Anxiety

Sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice. Additional funding was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Metropolitan Life Foundation, the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation.

Health Topics/Risk Behaviors Addressed:
  • Cognitive development and education
  • Social and emotional health and development
  • Life skills
  • Physical health
  • Behavioral problems
  • HIV, STD and TPP Prevention
  • Positive citizenship
  • Mental health

Sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice. Additional funding was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Metropolitan Life Foundation, the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation.

Health Topics/Risk Behaviors Addressed:
  • Teen pregnancy prevention
  • Substance abuse prevention and treatment
  • Classroom management

Sponsored by the Laura and John Arnold Foundation’s (LJAF) Evidence-Based Policy team.