Making do with less: The impact of state budget cuts on California's teen pregnancy prevention programs

Over the past several decades, California has been at the forefront of funding teen pregnancy prevention programs. Since 2008, however, the state has eliminated or severely cut funding for these programs. In this study, we are examining how the state budget cuts have affected organizations that provide teen pregnancy prevention services.

The study uses an innovative, mixed-methods approach for collecting data. The target sample includes 153 local government agencies and community-based organizations that received funding through California's Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Adolescent Family Life programs in fiscal year 2007-2008. We are surveying these agencies regarding recent changes in their teen pregnancy prevention programs, including staffing and funding. Using the survey results, we are selecting a subsample of approximately 33 agencies that represent a range of experiences, from eliminating to expanding teen pregnancy prevention programs through other funding mechanisms. These agencies are participating in semi-structured interviews to capture the effects of the budget cuts in greater detail.

Using the qualitative and quantitative data, study results capture the impacts of the substantial budget cuts on agencies' teen pregnancy prevention programs. Multiple regression analyses is being used to identify organizational and community characteristics associated with greater reductions in teen pregnancy prevention programs. In addition, we are collating and synthesizing strategies agencies have adopted to avoid program reductions, despite the loss of state funding. The results provide guidance for policymakers, program managers, private funders, and local agency staff who are facing economic challenges in California and nationwide.