Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition
The Department of Social Services is committed to promoting the healthy development of all children and adolescents residing in Connecticut. Research has shown that early childbearing has significant social, health, economic, and psychological costs for young parents and their children. More than 80% of teenage mothers and their children end up living in poverty. School dropout, low birth weight and premature babies, child abuse and neglect, childhood health problems and single parent families are often associated with teen pregnancy.
Connecticut’s teen birth rate has declined by 27% over the last ten years, a rate of decline quite similar to the national average at 26%. The state’s teen birth rate, however, has been much slower to decline among certain subgroups, falling only 12% among 18- to 19-year olds, and only 13% among Hispanic teens. Further, in some individual towns and cities, the percentage of births to teens has actually increased over the last several years (Richter, 2005).
Research has shown that with strong support, education, career preparation, work opportunities, health education, counseling and medical care, adolescents can be helped to delay parenthood until they are prepared emotionally and financially to support and raise a family.
The Uncas Health District’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program began with a Planning Grant from DSS in FY 2000-2001. The Program has gone on to serve the youth of the district in a supportive and structured environment that promotes positive outcomes.
Contact the Program Coordinator, Vickie Han, at 823-1189, x117 or chasst@uncashd.org.
This icon indicates that the link is a PDF file which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view & print the file.
