Prevention Services

Prevention programs provide the education and resources necessary for young people to make positive choices, for families to strengthen relationships and for guardians to communicate with their children about tough topics. Youth and families are referred to the Prevention programs by area schools and the Department of Human Services. Parenting education classes take place in the community to increase accessibility.

PROGRAMS

• The ¡Cuidate! program provides a comprehensive approach to delaying the onset of sexual activity among non-sexually active student participants, reducing the incidence of teen births and sexually transmitted diseases, increasing safer sex practices, and increasing the frequency of HIV/STI testing among Denver county youth. The goal of the program is to provide accurate information about sexually transmitted infections and safe sex practices.The program serves approximately 800 youth between the ages of 12 and 14 annually.

DAYS provides free, confidential HIV/STI testing for youth on Wednesdays from 3:30pm-5:30pm (or by appointment). Using oral testing, results are provided in 20 minutes and $10 gift cards are offered to participants. If needed, wrap-around services are available with partnering agencies. In addition, DAYS offers free male and female condoms lubricant, and sexual health referrals for youth in order to encourage safer sex practices.

• The Parenting Education program helps safeguard against negative life outcomes through the acquisition of positive parenting skills. The goal of the program to reduce family related risk factors for adolescent problem behaviors and to build protective factors in adolescent children and their parent/caregivers. The program serves approximately 200 families annually.

DAYS Parenting education and skill-building programs include: