Becoming a Responsible Teen (B.A.R.T)

This training provides teens aged 14 - 19 with the skills they need to clarify their own values about sexual activity and make decisions that will help them avoid the risk of becoming infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. This curriculum is a skill-based program that includes correct condom usage, refusal of unwanted invitations to engage in sex or drug use, and strategies for negotiating safety with a potential partner. Finally, participants learn how they can become messengers and peer educators in their own communities, to "spread the word" and share the information and strategies they have learned.

BART is one of a series of Research to Classroom programs funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Adolescent School Health. Research showed that students who participated in BART delayed the onset of sexual activity. Additionally, among students who participated in BART who were already sexually active prior to the intervention, only 27% remained so after one year (compared to 42% of the control group). Finally, in comparison to their behavior prior to the intervention, and in comparison to those in the control group, youth who participated in BART were more likely to use condoms and less likely to engage in unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse.

This educational program is an effective tool for empowering youth toward making permanent behavioral changes. Teens are given the skills necessary to increase the likelihood that they will either abstain from sexual activity or practice safer sex methods.

Anyone interested if more information or in reserving a spot with the group, please contact 847-0315. BART is a traveling program, so if your agency or organization is interested in having one there, please call for more information and we would be happy to arrange it.