As adolescents negotiate the complex terrain of sexuality, they need education, counseling, and clinical services to help them prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs. Many lack access to such services. Family PACT is a California State-funded program that offers access to all contraceptive methods, STI screening and treatment and HIV screening to all eligible low-income California residents, including adolescents. These services are free of cost, and available throughout the state from a wide network of private and public providers.
To assess the impact of Family PACT on adolescent access, the evaluation included claims data analysis, provider and client surveys, chart review, and direct observation.
Unmet need for family planning services decreased despite a growth in number of adolescents eligible for services. Over one-quarter of all female adolescents in need of state-funded family services received them, a 67% increase in the use of contraceptive services over the prior year. By the end of the first fiscal year, 196,010 adolescents had enrolled in the program, representing 22% of all clients. Ninety-five percent were female, and one half were aged 18-19. Nearly half of all adolescent clients received barrier methods. Forty-one percent (41%) of females received oral contraceptives, and 16% received a contraceptive injection during the year.
Despite improvements in access to services, adolescents have a higher rate of unmet need than adults. The projected 35% increase in number of adolescents in California over the next 10 years underscores the importance of continuing to provide comprehensive family planning services to this at risk population.
Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the Family PACT evaluation goals with respect to adolescents. 2. Understand the need for family planning services among adolescents in California 3. Discuss the impact of the Family PACT program on adolescents increased access to family planning services
Keywords: Access and Services, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.