Pregnant and Parenting Teens A Holistic Approach Graduation Reality and Dual Role Skills And Beyond Denise Mileson GRADS Program Specialist Mary Nagel FACSE Program Supervisor

Every Year:  750,000 teen pregnancies  400,000 give birth in the United States  5,574 total births to teens age in Washington State  82% of teen pregnancies are unintended  30% get pregnant again before the age of 20  GRADS students 4% get pregnant again before the age of 20

Who are our pregnant and parenting teens?  Lacks family support  83% low income  75% alcoholic families  Often mother was a teen parent  Little hope for the future  Behind in high school credits/low educational goals  Have been part of the party culture  Are unaware of resources  High percentage of teen moms have been sexually assaulted as a child

Unique Needs of Pregnant and Parenting Teens  They want to do what is right for their children.  They need a strong network and a comprehensive array of adults to assist them.

Services for Pregnant and Parenting Teens are Vital!  51% of teen mom’s receive their diploma by age 22 compared with 89% of women who have not had a child.  Pregnant and parenting teens without support and services are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care; they are more likely to smoke during pregnancy, have inadequate nutrition, and have low birth weight and pre term infants.

Obstacles It is a puzzle with no directions!

Obstacles  Limited knowledge of resources  Transportation  Child care  Financial concerns  Housing  Health and nutrition  Non supportive parents  Non supportive schools/staff

Obstacles  Shunned by peers  Suffer sexual harassment  Unhealthy relationships  Reproductive coercion  Poor problem solving skills  Give up easily  Lack follow through  Feel judged by peers and adults

Barriers – What the Teens Said  “My teachers gave up on me”  “I don’t feel welcome anymore.”  “I would have worked harder if my school had demanded more of me.”  “I had to drop out”  “My counselor said I would never make it anyways.” In Washington 171 students reported dropping out due to pregnancy in 2011

Goals and Outcomes putting the pieces together

Graduation Reality and Dual-Role Skills (GRADS) Evidenced Informed Program (soon to be evidenced based)

WA GRADS  The Washington Graduation Reality and Dual-Role Skills (WA GRADS) is a school-based teen parenting program. The program supports teen parents in achieving graduation and economic independence and reduces risk- taking behaviors.  Vital program components include classroom intervention programs for teen parents and licensed onsite child care centers.

Objectives  Remain in school  Have healthy babies, mothers/fathers  Learn practical parenting and child development skills  Gain an orientation to work  Learn goal setting toward balancing work and family  Reduce subsequent pregnancies

Reasons for GRADS Programs  Higher retention rate of students  Higher graduation rate  Cost effectiveness  Better access to a variety of services  Accommodate teen fathers  Promote practical problem solving

GRADS – Program Curriculum  The GRADS program curriculum is developed at the local level using standards from the Work and Family Foundation areas of study in the National Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FACSE). The program requires a FACSE certified teacher, who has also completed GRADS training. The program includes on-site child care and practicums, as well as coordination of learning activities outside the classroom.National Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences Education  Statewide Framework - Moodle

Pregnancy and parenthood can be strong motivators for students!

Addressing the Unique Needs of Teen Parents Self-Sufficiency Outcomes  Increased high school graduation/GED  77% of GRADS students vs 51% of all teen parents  Increased completion of post-secondary education, vocational training and or employment at a livable wage  Self-reliance and transition into independent living  Reduce/delay subsequent pregnancies  4% recidivism rate in GRADS vs 20% of those not in GRADS programs  Reduce STIs/HIV

Addressing the Unique Needs of Teen Parents Developmental Outcomes for Children of Teen Moms and Dads  Increase healthy birth by providing adequate prenatal care and strong support networks during pregnancy  Increase age appropriate physical, emotional, cognitive and social development (and readiness for school success)  Increase appropriate discipline, nurturing behavior, and children who are well cared for

Addressing the Unique Needs of Teen Parents Relationship Outcomes for Pregnant and Parenting Teens  Healthy relationships between partner, peers and family  Reduce domestic violence

Value of GRADS  If it helps students from a tragic life, it’s worth it!  If it helps students become wage earners, it’s worth it!  If it provides information so that teen parents have healthier babies, it’s worth it!

More Reasons for GRADS Programs  Obtain post secondary education  Become Employed  Facilitates the school readiness of their children  Onsite or near by high quality childcare  Developmental screenings  Preventive health services

Stories from GRADS Teachers  Kelso- “This class meant everything to me. It was my biggest support group. Without this class, I don’t think I would have graduated on time, or be anywhere close to where I am now.” “I learned so many things new things being around all the other parents an pregnant teens.”  Aberdeen - Had a 70% grad rate this year! 5 of the graduates used what they learned in GRADS to complete their culminating projects they highlighted their personal growth in GRADS and showcased the powerful benefits of the GRADS program.  Evergreen- Expanded the books for babies project; was able to give out 384 new/used infant toddler books (about 10 books per student). Books came from grants, book drives, and school staff donations. A librarian came to the classroom once a month for six weeks and was important in helping students understand the value of reading and literacy.

OSPI/DOH Grant  Brings several agencies together  OSPI, DOH, Washingteen Help, WCSAP, Domestic Violence  Updates and Training for GRADS teachers and Childcare directors  Updates for the GRADS classes/students  Early Achievers certification  Sustainable business plans

GRADS Research Study  Data for the past 7 years  What we are hoping to gain

Questions  How does our district start a GRADS program?  Others?

Contact Information Denise Mileson Mary Nagel

The project described is supported by Grant Number SP1AH from the HHS Office of Adolescent Health. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Office of Adolescent Health.