April 2011
Know that although in the eternal scheme of things you are small, you are also unique and irreplaceable, as are all your fellow humans everywhere in the world.
-Margaret Laurence
Announcements
The MOAPPP Annual Conference is Minnesota’s most comprehensive training event covering current research, educational resources, policy initiatives and emerging issues related to adolescent sexual health, pregnancy prevention and support for adolescent parents. It promises to be two days filled with renowned speakers, challenging, informative, skill-building workshops and many opportunities for networking and conversation. MOAPPP is also excited to tell you that we will announce our smarter, SHORTER, teen-friendly identity at the start of the conference! For more information and to register, visit the MOAPPP conference page.
May 6, 2011
Minnesota Young Fathers Action Collaborative (MYFAC) ‘Myth Busting’ Training Rollout
Earle Brown Heritage Center
6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center
Please join us on May 6 at MOAPPP’s 20th Annual Conference as we roll out the new ‘Myth Busting’ training developed for the Minnesota Young Fathers Action Collaborative (MYFAC). The training rollout consists of two parts—see below for more information and registration details.
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Myth Busting: Overcoming Stereotypes of Young Fathers (MOAPPP conference workshop)
Stereotypes about teen fathers stigmatize young dads and lead to policies that inhibit their involvement with their children. New research demonstrates that young fathers want to be involved but face many obstacles. Come learn the facts about young fathers, who they are, challenges they face, what they need to succeed, how adolescent development affects their parenting and what resources exist to support them in this role. Join in the conversation and view a video of a young fathers’ group.
2:15 – 3:00 p.m.
MYFAC Meeting: Discussion about Potential Uses and Venues for ‘Myth Busting’ Training
To register for the conference workshop and discussion, you will need to register for one or both days of the conference. Conference and registration information can be found at MOAPPP.org.
To register for the discussion portion only (no cost), RSVP by email to [email protected].
The Minnesota Young Fathers Action Collaborative (MYFAC) is a group of organizations and individuals who work to promote supportive and effective practices in working with young fathers.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month!
Get ready with tools and resources available from the Child Welfare Information Gateway and Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota’s website. The websites feature:
- Strengthening Families and Communities: 2011 Resource Guide, a guide to help service providers strengthen families with essentials from the key protective factors that prevent abuse.
- Tip sheets that address particular parenting concerns or questions—in English and Spanish—to distribute to parents and caregivers.
- Strengthening Families April Activity Calendar, full of activities that relate to the Five Protective Factors.
- Child Abuse Prevention Month widgets to post on your website.
- A video that shows how Child Welfare Information Gateway connects professionals with information and resources on preventing child abuse and neglect.
- Join the Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign. In Minnesota, you can participate by displaying yard signs ($5 each), posting a printable poster in your office or business or school or religious organization, planting a pinwheel garden (pinwheels available for order at $12 for 24), or using many of the other prevention resources available for download or purchase at the online CAP Packet.
Are there special activities going on in your community to raise awareness and help promote the prevention of child abuse and neglect? You can follow this link to an activity calendar that highlights 30 ways to strengthen families during national child abuse prevention month. Send an email to [email protected] and let PCAMN know what activities are taking place in your community. We will include them in a mid-April e-blast to let others throughout Minnesota know what’s happening.
For more information on Prevention Month, contact Child Welfare Information Gateway at 1-800-394-3366 or [email protected].
April is STD Awareness Month
April is STD Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness about the impact of sexually transmitted diseases on the health of Americans, and the importance of individuals discussing sexual health with their healthcare providers and, if sexually active, their partners.
Visit the Minnesota Department of Health website for resources to use in your community, including posters, campaign materials and fact sheets.
Minnesota Survey of Fathers and Early Childhood Programs
The Minnesota Fathers & Families Network (MFFN) is looking for professionals and fathers in Minnesota to complete a short survey about father involvement in early childhood programs. MFFN is working to identify specific strategies used by early childhood programs in Minnesota to involve fathers. For this project we consider early childhood programs to be those that serve children from birth to age five, and fathers to be any man that is actively involved in raising children from birth to age five.
MFFN has developed two surveys—one for professionals in early childhood programs and one for fathers. They would like you to complete one of the surveys and also forward this message to fathers and professionals in Minnesota encouraging them to complete the survey.
- Click here for the online survey for Minnesota professionals
- The survey for Minnesota fathers:
- Online dads’ version
- Printable dads’ version (PDF)
The surveys will only take a few minutes to complete. Survey responses will be collected through April. Become a part of the solution for getting more dads involved. Please contact Tom Fitzpatrick at [email protected] if you have any questions.
MTV Casting NOW!!!
MTV is casting again for our thought provoking series: 16 & Pregnant. This documentary series focuses on young women during their pregnancy. Producers’ comments: We realize that this is a sensitive subject that many of our young women are experiencing, so our goal is to show what pregnant women, from varying backgrounds, are experiencing in their everyday lives. From morning sickness to mood swings, and to even the day of the baby’s arrival, we would like you to let us document this exciting, life changing event. This show will allow young women to share their story in their own voice. As time is of the essence, please ASAP! Include the city and state you live in, your contact details, a picture and why you would want to take part in this series. For more information, visit www.16andpregnant.mtv.com.
Research
Young Mother-Father Dyads and Maternal Harsh Parenting Behavior
Results of this study, using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study, indicated that adolescent mothers, regardless of the age of their partners, were at higher risk for harsh parenting behavior than older adult mothers. Three paternal characteristics were associated with maternal harsh parenting behavior. First, the fathers’ use of coercion against mothers was a risk factor for maternal harsh parenting behavior. Second, the father’s use of spanking was a risk factor for maternal harsh parenting behavior. Third, the fathers’ being employed was a risk factor for maternal physical aggression toward children. These findings emphasize the importance of the prevention of early, untimely pregnancy; intervention for adolescent and young adult parents; the detection of mothers in coercive relationships with fathers; and the assessment of attitudes toward corporal punishment.
Pregnant Teen Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment: 1992 and 2007
This study (PDF) examines pregnant teen (ages 13-19) admissions to substance abuse treatment in 1992 and 2007 from 26 states. The data indicate that between 1992 and 2007, the proportion of pregnant teen admissions that were Hispanic increased and the proportion of pregnant teen admissions that were non-Hispanic Black decreased. Primary marijuana abuse among pregnant teen admissions more than doubled, and primary methamphetamine abuse more than quadrupled. The proportion of pregnant teen admissions referred to treatment by the criminal justice system doubled, and referrals from community organizations also increased. The increased proportion of Hispanic pregnant teen admissions shows the need for culturally sensitive substance abuse prevention and intervention programs. Service providers who serve pregnant teens must also be aware of the significant increase in methamphetamine use in this population.
Resources
National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse: click here to be connected to resources and links.
From Baby to Big Kid: Month 27
Learn about how child development unfolds from 24 to 30 months. Read about common experiences parents have at this age, like hearing their children ask to “Do myself!” even when they are not yet able to do what they’re demanding—like button their coat or pour the milk. Tune in to all a toddler is learning from playing in the sandbox. Read about a parent survey in which parents reported when their toddlers’ challenging behavior peaked, and what behavior they found most challenging. Explore ways to help a child of this age learn how to manage frustration and to keep working to solve a challenge or problem versus giving up. Check out these fun activities that nurture development.
Does Your Organization Look ‘Father Friendly’?
If not, consider investing in some posters such as those found here (PDF). One way to encourage more father involvement is to provide an inviting environment for fathers. Posters on the wall showing fathers and children is an easy way to show you are welcoming of young fathers’ participation in your programs.
Policy Action Alert
Minnesota Minors’ Consent Statute Rescinded
Senate File 1017 (PDF) passed out of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, and moved on to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. It has not passed out of that committee at this time, but it includes many elements that MOAPPP has grave concerns about, including:
- Health care providers may no longer provide confidential care for pregnancy, STI or HIV testing, family planning, alcohol or drug use or mental health issues—except in cases of incest. Minors must go to court to get permission to receive confidential health services in case of incest.
- Makes it a misdemeanor for any health care provider to provide such care.
- Allows parents to sue health care providers in civil court if they do provide such care.
- Links to the minors’ consent statute to abortion services.
- Changes the state statute regarding abortion services for minors from “parental notification” to “parental consent.”
There are serious concerns with the legal language of the bill, and the likely ramifications for teens in case of sexual assault, rape and incest. MOAPPP will share updates as we get them. In the meantime, please check to see if your Senator is on this committee, and share your concerns about this bill and the implications for Minnesota youth.
Funding
Funding for Father Programs
The federal government is expected to send out a Request for Proposals sometime this month for funding for father programs. Check out this website for preliminary information.
Funding for Higher Education Student Parent Programs
Minnesota’s Young Student Parent Support Initiative will address the needs of college-age pregnant and parenting young people. The purpose of the Young Student Parent Support Initiative is to build the capacity of institutions of higher education to address the health and educational needs of pregnant and parenting young people and their children. Find out more information and how to apply here.
Upcoming MOAPPP Trainings
The MOAPPP Annual Conference is Minnesota’s most comprehensive training event covering current research, educational resources, policy initiatives and emerging issues related to adolescent sexual health, pregnancy prevention and support for adolescent parents. It promises to be two days filled with renowned speakers, challenging, informative, skill-building workshops and many opportunities for networking and conversation. MOAPPP is also excited to tell you that we will announce our smarter, SHORTER, teen-friendly identity at the start of the conference! For more information and to register, visit the MOAPPP conference page.
Other Upcoming Trainings
May 11, 2011
Youth Development Brown Bag Webinar Series
“Communicating with the Net Generation,” Kari Robideau, M.S. & Karyn Santi, M.Ed.
Extension Services of North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota are partnering to offer a series of six webinars on youth development topics. Each webinar will provide live, interactive learning experiences that you can participate in at your own computer over the lunch hour. Participants are able to ask the instructor questions and get answers in real time while the presenter conducts discussions, questions and polls. For more information and to register, visit www.ndsu.edu.
May 18, 2011
Promoting What Works: A Symposium of Approaches for Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET)
In-person or Webcast
Top of the Hill Banquet and Conference Center
One Constitution Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002
The purpose of the day-long symposium is to lead a dialogue with experts on what works in caring for pregnant adolescents and helping them build strong young families. The goal of the symposium is to increase awareness of effective and promising or emerging interventions that support young families in healthy decision making. As a result, these interventions will be utilized in an effort to improve outcomes for pregnant and parenting adolescents and their families. The symposium is intended for adolescent pregnancy program planners, researchers, health professionals and policy makers. To register, click here.
May 25, 2011
Getting Ready to Teach Parents Forever
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bunker Hills Activity Center, Andover
Parents Forever is a parent education program approved by the MN Supreme Court to help parents who are experiencing divorce learn to co-parent and focus on the needs of their children. The training will cover all aspects of the curriculum: the impact of divorce on adults, the impact of divorce on children, legal issues and the role of mediation, money issues and the cost of raising children and pathways to a new life. The training will also cover aspects of facilitating a Parents Forever program and information on teaching adult learners and teaching court mandated participants. Registration is available at www.regonline.com/TeachPF. For more information about the Parents Forever program, visit www.parentsforever.umn.edu.
May 26-27, 2011
2011 Public Health Symposium on Promoting Early Childhood Mental Health:
Translating the Science of Early Experiences into Culturally Informed Policy and Practice
Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center
Keynote Speakers include:
- Robert Anda, MD, MS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Atum Azzahir, Powderhorn/Phillips Cultural Wellness Center
- Diane Benjamin, MPH, FrameWorks Institute
- Megan Gunnar, PhD, University of Minnesota, Institute of Child Development
- Jim Koppel, MSW, Deputy Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Health
- Tony LookingElk, City of Minneapolis Department of Health Urban Health Advisory Committee
- Art Rolnick, PhD, University of Minnesota Human Capital Research Collaborative, (formerly with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis)
- Donald Warne, MPH, MD, Office of Native Health for Sanford Health System
For more information and to register, visit mch2011symposium.eventbrite.com.
For more resources and information about adolescent parents, visit the Adolescent Parent Program page on the MOAPPP website.