Age range

Contact information:
Teen REACH was established by the Illinois Department of Human Services as part of the Futures for Kids Initiative. It is administered through a variety of local organizations such as health departments, social service agencies, faith-based organizations and community coalitions that receive state funding. Some of these organizations are listed here in the research section under "other information."

Website: www.dhs.state.il.us/chp/

ofh/mih/trinitpageapril02.html

Mission/Goals: Teen REACH is intended to be a holistic, comprehensive program that promotes the social, creative, physical, and cognitive development of youth. Each locale offers different programs and activities, but each must conform to the overall goals and core services built into Teen REACH.

Notes: The major strength of Teen REACH was found to be the program's adaptability to local needs and resources. The quality of staff, the focus of the program, and job satisfaction were all considered extremely important to the program's success.

Source(s): www.dhs.state.il.us/ch

p/ofh/mih/trinitpageapril02.html; www.cprd.uiuc.edu/teenreach/

Type of Evaluation: Pre/Post Test.

Objective: To determine the characteristics of youth involved in Teen REACH, to assess the benefits derived from the program, and to determine what characteristics of the program promote positive outcomes.

Impact/Outcomes: The study found that greater program participation was associated with increases in academic goals & positive feelings over time; increases in peer group cohesion; leadership skills; learning about substance use/resistance strategies; problem solving; and decreases in delinquent behavior for younger participants. Teen REACH participants were also found to highly value the relationship between staff and participants.