The Abstinence-Only Education Initiative is funded under P.L. 104-193, Section 510, Title V, Maternal and Child Health Block Grant of the Social Security Act.  The purpose of the allotment is to enable states to provide abstinence education, and at the option of states, where appropriate, mentoring, counseling, and adult supervision to promote abstinence from sexual activity, with a focus on those groups most likely to bear children out of wedlock.

The Initiative provides non fear-based Abstinence-Only Education to racially and ethnically diverse nine- to 14-year-old males and females.

The term "abstinence education" means an educational or motivational program that:  

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

• Teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated health problems

• Teaches young people how to reject sexual advances and how alcohol and drug use increases vulnerability to sexual advances

• Teaches the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity

The Department of Public Health, Public Health Initiatives, Family Health Section, oversees the Abstinence-Only Education Initiative funding distribution to community-based programs. Funding is presently allocated to the following community:  

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is "Abstinence-Only" Education?

Abstinence-Only Education is a program that teaches abstinence from sexual intercourse is the only certain way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.  No other birth control methods or topics related to sexuality are discussed. This approach emphasizes social values and moral character development.

• How does this compare to "Abstinence-Based" Education?

Abstinence-based or "abstinence plus" education is comprehensive in that, while the program encourages abstinence from sexual activity, it acknowledges that some teens might choose to become sexually active.  Abstinence-based programs inform young people about human sexuality, contraceptives, condom use, abortion, homosexuality and how to say "no" to sex.

• What is the intent of the federal legislation?

The intent is to provide Abstinence-Only Education to youths with the purpose of preventing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

• Who is eligible to participate in abstinence education programs?

Pre teens and teenagers are eligible to participate in Abstinence-Only Education programs.  Connecticut is targeting racially and ethnically diverse nine (9) to fourteen (14) year-old males and females.

• Besides abstinence education, what other services will the educational programs provide?

Where appropriate, the organizations providing community-based abstinence-only education can also offer mentoring, counseling and adult supervision.

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