High schools are required (by the NYCPS HIV education program) to provide Health Resource Rooms where free condoms, health information, and health referrals are made available to students in grades 9-12 by trained and trusted staff. Parents and legal guardians may opt their adolescent out of receiving condoms; however, all students may receive information and referrals to health services.
CAP Requirements
- Each school must have at least two trained NYCPS staff. Additional NYCPS and non-NYCPS staff who work at the school can also be trained to support the program.
- Parent notification/opt-out letter (see below) must be provided to parents/legal guardians of all students at the start of the school year.
- A confidential list of all students who have been opted out of receiving condoms must be available to all CAP staff. Students will be identified by ID numbers only; names will not be used.
- Confidentiality is critical to CAP.
- CAP must be available for at least 10 periods per week.
- CAP schedule and locations must be clearly advertised for all students via the student letter (see below) and posters.
- Referrals to health services must be made available.
- Health Resource Room(s) must be safe, supportive and inclusive spaces for all students.
Information for CAP-trained Staff
CAP Training
Visit the Office of School Wellness Programs Professional Learning Catalog and select "Condom Availability Program" in the top menu to register for upcoming trainings.
Ordering Health Resource Room Materials
- Only staff who have completed the Office of School Wellness Programs’ CAP training can order supplies, including condoms, for their Health Resource Room. CAP-trained staff may email CAP2@schools.nyc.gov for ordering instructions.
Condom Availability Program Parent/Guardian Notification Letters
Use this parent/guardian notification letter to inform parents and legal guardians about the program at the start of each school year. The letter includes editable fields for your school's letterhead and principal's name.
Condom Availability Program Parent Guardian Letter
Condom Availability Program Student Notification Letter
- For information to share with your school community and families/caregivers, access the Condom Availability Program page on the NYCPS public website.
Condom Demonstration Videos
This collection of video resources on WeTeachNYC—created by the NYCPS Office of School Wellness Programs in collaboration with Wheelhouse Communication—demonstrates the safe and effective way to use the:
- Internal condom
- External condom
- Dental dam
Connect With Us
For questions about CAP, email CAP2@schools.nyc.gov
Visit the Office of School Wellness Programs Support Center for answers to questions about physical education, health education, the NYCPS School Wellness Policy, and programs like CHAMPS, Move-to-Improve, and School Wellness Councils.
Sign up for our newsletter