Adolescence Is… A time of physical, social and emotional development Often a time when there is physical maturity and emotional immaturity A time when young people move from seeking their parents/family as guides to looking at their peer group for guidance and information A time of rapid brain development A time for RISK TAKING!

40 Developmental Assets These are the building blocks that help children and teens grow up health, caring, and responsible External Assets Support Empowerment Boundaries and Expectations Constructive Use of Time Internal Assets Commitment to Learning Positive Values Social Competencies Positive Identity

Who Is Affected By Teen Births? Each year… + = + X Teen Mothers X Teen Fathers X Babies Born to Young Parents TOTAL: XXX Annually

Preventing Teen Pregnancy A delay in the initiation of sexual intercourse along with use of LARC both contribute to lower numbers of teen pregnancies and births. Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives

The Social Determinants of Health and Teen Pregnancy Teen pregnancy and parenting, as well as other adolescent health outcomes should be seen as a product of the conditions in which teens: ** Grow ** Live ** Learn ** Work ** Play

Contributing Factors High unemployment Low education Low income POVERTY High unemployment Low education Low income Single parent families Interpersonal Violence Neighborhood Violence Crime – Violence

Contributing Factors (continued) Baby Mama Drama “His first baby mama gave him a girl. Now he’ll have the son he always wanted and will stay with us” Poor school performance; being held back, dropping out Violence – within the home and community Sense of futility – no hope for the future

More Contributing Factors Living in a single family household (“Broken Home) The girl’s mother was a teen mother Other sisters in the house had babies when they were teens The girl’s mother did not graduate from high school

Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Teens “Teen Friendly” Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Easily accessible Free or low cost Private Confidential No parental consent needed Convenient clinic hours Staff have training in adolescent development Age and culturally appropriate Written materials are easy to read and gear Referrals for additional services available