4 Troubled Teens Blog

According to Missouri newspaper The News-Presse, data released by the state's Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) show an unexpected spike in teen pregnancies. Since the 1990s, the rate had been steadily decreasing.

"Teen birth rates in the St. Joseph area are among the highest in Missouri, statistics show," the paper reported. "For the local MSA, the percentages of births to mothers under 18 were the second highest in the state, at 3.61 percent. The highest MSA was held by Joplin, Mo., at 3.67 percent."

These percentages are only slightly off national statistics, which showed a 3 percent increase in teen pregnancies.

Labels: teen_pregnancy

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 0 Comments

Teen birthrates increased for the second year in a row, according to a report from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. About 750,000 U.S. teens become pregnant annually, or three in every ten teenage girls. The United States continues to have the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the developed world.

As the experts continue to work on a more effective means of reducing the rate of teen pregnancy, the U.S. government has indicated that federal funding will be directed in a different direction that has been the case in previous years. U.S. President Barack Obamas administration is cutting two $100 million abstinence-only sex education programs, and is replacing them with a $110-million sex education program that emphasizes pregnancy prevention.

Though many parents might mistakenly believe that their teens have no interest in their opinions about issues such as dating, sex, and teen pregnancy, experts continue to advise that engaging in open and honest communication with your child on topics related to teen dating and pregnancy greatly increases the likelihood that they will make better decisions and engage in healthier behaviors.

Labels: parental_involvement, teen_pregnancy, communication

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 1 Comment

The School-Aged Parents' program is a Canadian program comprised of teenagers who give firsthand accounts of what it's like to be a young parent. The speakers share their experiences in elementary and high schools throughout the Prairie South School Division.

"While using charts and videos to support their point about safe sex, the personal accounts from the Peacock students about their experiences with sex and pregnancy made the largest impact."

One of the teen parents, Toni, was pregnant at 15. She and her boyfriend stayed together for three years, but eventually broke up. It's a common theme among the young mothers - boyfriends who left and now have little or no involvement in their kids' lives. Source: The Moose Jaw Times Herald

Pregnant teens who are engaging in risky behaviors can benefit from adolescent residential treatment programs like the one offered at Youth Care.

Labels: sex, pregnancy, teen_pregnancy

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 1 Comment

Though teen pregnancy is on the decline, there are still many young girls and boys who need help balancing the responsibilities of high school and parenting. The HELP Center of Athens, Texas offers a program called PEP (Pregnancy, Education and Parenting) where young people can find the guidance they need.

"According to the center, the PEP program is a dropout prevention program for pregnant and parenting teens... The program offers help during the academic year to anyone enrolled in a Henderson County school and actively attending."

Teen parents meet twice a month with a PEP counselor where they can discuss parenting, career goals and hopes for the future. The center also provides daycare so the parents can continue attending school. Read more at AthensReview.com.

Are you dealing with a bratty kid? Turn-About Ranch was featured on the UK version of Brat Camp and can help you and your family.

Labels: schools, prevention, teen_pregnancy

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

In Calhoun County, Michigan, teen pregnancy is considered an epidemic. It ranks the fourth highest of Michigan's 83 counties for teen pregnancies per capita.

"Teen pregnancy is a complicated thing, [Pat] Horton said. 'It's not just about genitals...It's understanding that teens, especially girls, are looking for respect, love and commitment. Some want to be pregnant, thinking a baby will bring those things, he said."

Unfortunately, many of them are left to care for their babies alone, when the fathers decide they're not ready to be parents. Less than one-third of moms who have their first children before 18 ever earn a high school diploma. Just 1.5 percent earn a college degree before they turn 30. Read more BattleCreekEnquierer.com.

Help for parents of troubled teens can be found at ByParents-ForParents.com. Find articles, resources, and a forum to connect with other parents.

Labels: teen_pregnancy, girls, high_school

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

A report that compiled statistics from 22 federal agencies shows that teens are not as sexually active as they were just a few years ago. And of those who are having sex, more are using condoms.

"Education campaigns that started years ago are having a significant effect, said James Wagoner, president of Advocates for Youth, a Washington-based nonprofit group that focuses on prevention of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases."

In 2005, 47 percent of high school students reported having sexual intercourse, down from 54 percent in 1991. The teen birth rate also dropped from 39 per 1,000 to 21 per 1,000  a historic low. Read more at TheGlobeandMail.com.

Residential treatment centers can help teens struggling with a variety issues from drug use to sexual promiscuity. Learn about Island View - a residential treatment center in Utah. Next to Island View is The Aspen Institute of Behavioral Assessment, another residential treatment center which can help diagnosis and asses your child.

Labels: sex, teen_pregnancy, education

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments