Stronger Families for California Act

The Stronger Families for California Act, AB 1511 (Leno), will establish a statewide public education campaign giving parents the tools to talk with their teens about sex and sexual health in order to promote healthy, well-informed decision-making early and often.

Background

Strong family communication is proven to prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. In a 2006 survey, teens cited parents as their most important influence when it comes to making decisions regarding sex and sexual health. Ninety-three percent of Californians believe that parents should talk with their teens about sex.

California’s parents want the tools to start open and honest conversations about sex and sexuality with their teens. Over fifty percent of California parents report feeling uncomfortable talking with their teens about sex. And particularly in communities that experience health disparities and barriers to healthcare access, stronger family communication is urgently needed so teens can make well-informed decisions regarding sexual health.

The Stronger Families for California Act is modeled after a successful, multicultural public education campaign that equipped families with concrete tools and strategies for these often difficult conversations. Over fifty percent of parents surveyed recalled seeing the family communication advertisements and one in three took action as a result.

• Strengthening California’s families by promoting discussion about sex and well-informed decision making early and often

• Decreasing rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, especially in communities that experience health disparities and barriers to healthcare access

• Decreasing state taxpayer expenses due to teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS