February 2009
Research
Ten Promising Practices for Teen Fatherhood Programs
For many years, teen fathers were either overlooked or blamed for their role in teen pregnancy. However, interest in designing programs to reduce teen pregnancy and to enhance outcomes for babies and children, as well as meet the needs of this vulnerable population, has increased in recent years. A National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse brief authored by Child Trends—”Promising Teen Fatherhood Programs: Initial Evidence Lessons from Evidence-Based Research”—identifies ten common features of “model” and “promising” programs for teen fathers. Eighteen fatherhood programs were assessed and, of these, one was identified as a “model” program and three as “promising” programs. Details are on the Child Trends website.
Resources
Do you know about these resources?
- MinnesotaHelp.Info provides a list of resources throughout the state on all sorts of issues—housing, parenting classes, transportation, health care, recreation and much more. There is a special section for youth. Check it out!
- A section on the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ website details information that community services organizations might need to help their clients negotiate the Child Support System.
- A new website from the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development, Families in Tough Times, provides resources for families who may be experiencing, attempting to avoid or recover from tough economic times.
- The Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota has officially launched the Bridge to Benefits project to improve the economic stability of thousands of Minnesota children and their families and contribute to the state’s economy and workforce. Bridge to Benefits relies on a web-based screening tool that quickly and efficiently helps a family determine if it is eligible for a wide range of assistance, such as MinnesotaCare, Medical Assistance, General Assistance Medical Care, Food Support, School Meal programs, Energy Assistance, Child Care Assistance, the Earned Income Tax Credit and Minnesota Working Family Credit.
- The tool is available to anyone, and a family with access to the Internet can—with just a few clicks of a mouse—find information and eligibility standards about each program, and avoid having to contact a number of different agencies and organizations for help. The Bridge to Benefits project also seeks to assist community organizations in their efforts to connect families to benefits they are eligible for. The web-based tool not only helps these organizations screen families for eligibility, but it also directs families to resources where they can get help completing the difficult application process.
Fathers Reading Every Day (FRED)
The Minnesota Humanities Center is recruiting host organizations throughout Minnesota interested in conducting this father/child literacy program in their communities. Children’s books, informational materials and technical assistance are provided. In 2008, over 60 FRED series were held that attracted over 6,000 dads/adults and children. For more information on FRED and/or to apply to become a host organization, please contact Tom Fitzpatrick at 651-772-4255, (toll free) 866-268-7293, x255 or .
Upcoming Trainings
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Early Childhood Maltreatment and Trauma—Prevention, Response and Best Practice, Dr. Bruce Perry, MD, PhD
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Neighborhood House, Wellstone Center
179 Robie Street East, St. Paul
$60
Dr. Perry, a Senior Fellow of The Child Trauma Academy in Houston, TX, will present strategies to translate emerging findings about the human brain and child development into practical applications to assist parents and professionals in providing nurture, protection, enrichment, education and healing to children. Dr. Perry’s work has resulted in a range of innovative programs in therapeutic, child protection and educational systems.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Meeting the Unique Needs of Adolescent Parents (MOAPPP Training)
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Temple Israel
2324 Emerson Avenue South, Minneapolis
$30 MOAPPP Member/$65 Non-member
Three common goals of adolescent parent programs are to facilitate long-term self-sufficiency, build parenting capacity, and ensure the healthy growth and development of the children born to young parents. This workshop, for professionals new to adolescent parent work, examines national and state data related to adolescent parents; the strengths and opportunities, as well as the challenges young parents bring to their new role; current research on best practices for working with adolescent parents; and the role every provider can play in enhancing the lives of these young families. For more information and to register for this training, see the flyer and registration form. Questions? Contact Sue at 651-644-1447 x15 or [email protected].
Friday, April 3, 2009
Minnesota Council on Family Relations Spring Conference: Families, Health and Mental Health
8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Wilder Center
451 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul
$115
To download the conference brochure, visit www.mcfr.net.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Building Cultural Competency with African-Born Youth, Young Adults and Families
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Federal Hiway Credit Union Administration Building
840 Westminster Street, St. Paul
Most of us recognize the benefits of a diverse and equitable society. We also have a growing desire to be more culturally competent in dealing with the conflicts and challenges we face in achieving that goal. This training will integrate the skills of mediators, educators and direct service providers with the context of youth, young adults and families with African heritage living in Minnesota. It is offered with insight from a Muslim faith leader, a youth panel and conversations with others serving refugee/immigrant families. For more information, visit www.mnyipa.org.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
From Dr. Seuss to Porn: Countering Normalization of Sexual Harm
12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Schwan’s Center at National Sports Center
1700 NE 105th Avenue, Blaine
$25
Living in a sexually toxic society means we’re all affected and desensitized, to varying degrees, in both our personal and professional lives. To be effective, prevention requires recognition of these problems, as both a public health and public safety concern, as well as engaging others who care about children’s and society’s health. This session presented by Cordelia Anderson, includes activities for discussion and action planning. Certificates of attendance are available. For more information contact, Donna McDonald, Violence Prevention Coordinator, Anoka County Community Health Department 763-422-7047, . Workshop sponsored by the Anoka County Child Abuse Prevention Council and Connexus Energy.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
What About the Baby? Nurturing Healthy Attachment in Young Families
(Co-sponsored by MOAPPP and MDH Family Home Visiting Program)
9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud
$50 MOAPPP member/$85 non-member/$15 MDH contracted Family Home Visiting Program staff
Early learning happens in the context of relationships. This workshop focuses on the importance of relationship – between adolescent parents and their children and between young families and the professionals who work with them. It offers insight into the strengths and challenges faced by young parents, the competing developmental agendas of adolescent parents and their children, and strategies for promoting relationships that lead to the healthy development of both parent and child. For information or to register, contact Sue at 651-644-1447 x15 or [email protected].
Thursday & Friday, May 7-8, 2009
MOAPPP Annual Conference
Earle Brown Center, Brooklyn Center
New this year, the conference will include a networking breakfast on March 8 specifically for those who work with adolescent parents! Registration materials will soon be available at MOAPPP.org.
Friday, June 19, 2009
What About the Baby? Nurturing Healthy Attachment in Young Families
(Co-sponsored by MOAPPP and MDH Family Home Visiting Program)
9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
University Center Rochester, Rochester
$50 MOAPPP member/$85 non-member/$15 MDH contracted Family Home Visiting Program staff
Early learning happens in the context of relationships. This workshop focuses on the importance of relationship—between adolescent parents and their children and between young families and the professionals who work with them. It offers insight into the strengths and challenges faced by young parents, the competing developmental agendas of adolescent parents and their children, and strategies for promoting relationships that lead to the healthy development of both parent and child. For information or to register, contact Sue at 651-644-1447 x15 or [email protected].
For more resources and information about adolescent parents, visit the Adolescent Parent Program page on the MOAPPP website.