Street Smart: Procedural Guide

Street Smart is an intensive HIV/AIDS and STD prevention program for youth whose behaviors place them at risk of becoming infected. Life circumstances define risk for some youth; being runaway or homeless, gay, or a sex offender increases the potential for risky behavior. The Street Smart program is designed for runaway and homeless youth, yet it can be easily adapted for youth in other settings. The Street Smart program targets youth, ages 11 to 18.

This is a multi-session, skills-building program to help youth practice safer sexual behaviors and reduce substance use. Sessions address improving youths’ social skills, assertiveness and coping through exercises on problem solving, identifying triggers, and reducing harmful behaviors. Agency staff also provide individual counseling and trips to community health providers.

This Procedural Guide describes the core elements, key characteristics, and procedures of the Street Smart program. It also discusses materials and resources required for the program, recruiting participants, and adapting the program in different settings.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Date of Publication: March 25, 2019