(Chicago, IL) – February 2, 2009 - A new report that will likely challenge adult thinking on effective HIV/AIDS prevention messages targeting adolescents and young adults will be released at the second annual Illinois Youth and HIV/AIDS Forum on February 27, 2009.  

The forum —"HIV/AIDS Prevention and Youth: Abstinence or Condoms? Cell Phone Texts or Peers? Messages and Messengers that Make a Difference” — will be held on February 27, 2009 at the Chicago Cultural Center in the Claudia Cassidy Theater, 77 East Randolph from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Children’s Place Association and The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration will host the forum.

The new report will be presented by Dr. Dexter Voisin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration.  The focus group research will reveal the perceived effectiveness of HIV prevention messages and the role media, social media, and technology play in transmitting messages. The research will be debated by experts, legislative advocates, and youth on multiple discussion panels.

The forum’s keynote address, “Successful AIDS Prevention Strategies for Youth” will be presented by Ralph J. DiClemente, Ph.D., from the Center for AIDS Research and Behavioral Science, Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. 

For more information, please contact: David Ormsby at 312-342-9638 or davidormsby@davidormsby.com.  Interviews with speakers available upon request.

About The Children’s Place Association
The mission of The Children's Place Association is to improve the present and secure the future for children, youth and families confronted by HIV/AIDS or other life-changing health conditions.  Founded in 1991, The Children’s Place Association serves as a safe haven for children whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS through the Residential Center and Early Learning Center as well as Family & Community Services and Foster Care & Adoption programs.  For more information on programs and services, visit www.childrens-place.org or call 312-733-9954.