abstinencefacebookinfo 07.18.11

The Michigan Abstinence Program (MAP)  aims to positively impact adolescent health by promoting abstinence from sexual

activity and related risky behaviors, such as the

use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Increase the number of youth ages 10-15 years (up to 21 years for special

education populations) who abstain from sexual activity and other related

risky behaviors, especially the populations most likely

to bear children out-of-wedlock.

To teach youth the decision-making skills necessary to choose abstinence, reject sexual advances, cope with social pressures, avoid risky situation and understand the relationship of alcohol and other drug use to increasing use to increasing sexual vulnerability.

To support communities in developing and maintaining social environments that support sex-free and drug-free lives for youth.

To teach youth the relationship between sexual activity and sexually transmitted infections.

To teach youth the association between teen parenting and poverty.

To teach youth the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity.

To teach parents/adults/caregivers how to communicate effectively with youth about the importance and benefits of choosing abstinence from sexual activity and other related risky behaviors such as the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

(A) Has as its exclusive purpose, teaching the social, psychological, and health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity

(G) Teaches young people how to reject sexual advances and how alcohol and drug use increases vulnerability to sexual advances.

(H) Teaches the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity.

In-school curriculum Parent Involvement Skill-based learning tools Take-home homework Guest Speakers “Hot Topic” parent newsletter Regional Coalition Membership

Internet Safety Resources from the Michigan Office of the Attorney General http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-17334_17364-167949--,00.html

Text Messaging and Online Chat Abbreviations http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp

Real Parents Real Answers http://www.realparentsrealanswers.com/ Parent Further http://www.parentfurther.com/ 4Parents http://www.4parents.gov/ Talking with Your Kids about Tough Issues www.talkingwithkids.org Talk Early, Talk Often www.michigan.gov/talkearly Parent Action for Health Kids www.parentactionforhealthykids.org Rutgers Answers http://answer.rutgers.edu/page/websites/

Healthy Teen Network www.healthyteennetwork.org National Adolescent Health Information Center http://nahic.ucsf.edu/ National Campaign to Prevent Teen & Unplanned Pregnancy

www.teenpregnancy.org Rutgers Answers Honestly

http://answer.rutgers.edu/page/sexetc_website/ 800-SUICIDE National Suicide Hotline (24 hours)

Crisis line. Automatically routes the call to the nearest crisis center. 800-621-4000 National Runaway Switchboard (24 hours)

Crisis intervention and referrals. National communication system for runaway and homeless youth.

800-656-HOPE National Sexual Assault Hotline (24 hours) 800-DONT-CUT SAFE (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) 800-342-2437 (English) 800-227-8922 (English/Spanish)

800-344-7432 (Spanish) 800-243-7889 (TTY) CDC National AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Disease Hotline. (24 hours) Information and referral.

888-672-2296 America's Pregnancy HelplineInformation on pregnancy options. Special section for teens.

800-527-5344 Alcohol and Drug Helpline Helpline for finding treatment. 888-4AL-ANON (meeting information) Al-Anon and AlaTeen

Al-Anon helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. Alateen is the recovery program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members.

650-259-8136 Teen Relationship Web Site National web site by and for teens. 800-422-4453 ChildHelp USA (24 hours)

Nat'l child abuse hotline. 847-831-3438 Hotline Counseling and Referrals National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and

Associated Disorders 650-321-5272 KARA

Compassionate support to those who are grieving a death or facing a life-threatening illness.

To become involved with the Abstinence Program, you can become a member of the Regional

Coalition. Meetings are held four times per year in Cass City.