Fact Sheet: Community-Based Abstinence Education Program

History and Purpose

The Community-Based Abstinence Education Program supports public and private entities in developing and implementing abstinence education programs for adolescents, ages 12 through 18, in communities across the country. Projects funded by the program must promote abstinence education as defined by Section 510 of Title V of the Social Security Act. The focus of these programs is to educate young people and create an environment within communities that supports teen decisions to postpone sexual activity until marriage.

The most recent funding for the Community-Based Abstinence Education Program was appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in the FY 2008 appropriations bill. Originally administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau since 2001, the Community-Based Abstinence Education Program was redelegated by the Secretary in February 2005 to the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB).

FYSB's mission is to provide national leadership on youth and family issues. The Bureau promotes positive outcomes for children, youth, and families by supporting a wide range of comprehensive services and collaborations at the local, Tribal, State, and national levels.

Program Funding Process

Any public or private entity, including a nonprofit or faith-based organization, is eligible to apply for funding through the Community-Based Abstinence Education Program. Projects must be community based and must involve an educational intervention.

Grant project periods are for 5 years. There is no match requirement for these grants. In FY 2008, 170 grantees received funding totaling $92.7 million.

For More Information

For further information about FYSB's Community-Based Abstinence Education Program, contact the National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth, P.O. Box 13505, Silver Spring, MD 20911-3505; (301) 608-8098; fax: (301) 608-8721; e-mail: ncfy@acf.hhs.gov; Web site: ncfy.acf.hhs.gov.