Author: Jeffrey J. Koshel

Publisher:

Published: 1990

Total Pages: 38

ISBN-13: 9781558771123

This report provides a brief overview of state policies and programs to address the problems of adolescent pregnancy and parenting. Section 1, a brief introduction, is followed by a section which examines a broad set of state policies and programs affecting at-risk youth, including pregnant teenagers and teenage parents. The state-by-state review provided in this section covers the following specific areas: (1) state planning and coordination, including task forces, individual agency initiatives, and coordinated programs and policies; (2) health care programs and policies, including family planning services, support for school-based clinics, and Medicaid coverage of low income pregnant women; (3) educational programs and policies, including preschool child development, middle grades improvement, efforts to reduce school failure among older youth, and family life education; and (4) employment and training initiatives. The final section presents conclusions and provides a table summarizing the major types of organizational and programmatic responses of states for addressing the issues of teenage pregnancy and parenting. It is concluded that the data shows that many states have taken significant steps toward improving their health, education, and employment/training programs to more effectively meet the needs of high-risk children and youth, but that states still have a long way to go in establishing universal primary prevention programs. Appendices include information about existing data sources on the subject of adolescent pregnancy and parenting and a list of state contacts on teenage pregnancy and parenting. (NB)