July 2009
If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet: how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.
-Fred Rogers
In the News
Have you seen the new show on MTV called 16 and Pregnant? It’s worth watching! Follow this link to read about it and watch episodes. They are looking for girls to feature on the show next season…
MTV Casting NOW!
MTV is casting again for their thought-provoking series “16 and Pregnant,” which is airing multiple times a week. This documentary series focuses on young women during their pregnancy. The show’s creators realize that this is a sensitive subject that many young women are experiencing, so the 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, they would like you to let them document this exciting, life changing event. This show will allow young women to share their story in their own voice.
Please email ASAP with the city and state you live in, your contact details, a picture and why you would want to take part in this series.
Your Input Needed
The Maternal and Child Health Section of the Minnesota Department of Health seeks input regarding priority needs for three target populations:
- Pregnant women, mothers and infants;
- Children and adolescents; and
- Children and youth with special health care needs.
Please take a few moments to complete their online survey—available until Friday, July 17—to inform what priority issues will be addressed through the federal Title V (MCH) Block Grant activities during 2011-2016. To learn more about the needs assessment process and to access the survey, visit, www.health.state.mn.us and click on the “Take the 2010 Needs Assessment Survey” link. Please note: You will need to accept the security certificate to complete the survey.
Are You a MOAPPP Member Yet?
Though the cost is small, the value is large. MOAPPP membership is the critical link for learning, networking and information sharing across Minnesota. Individuals can join for just $35 a year, and organizations for only $100, and become part of the only professional association in the state of Minnesota dedicated to promoting adolescent sexual health, preventing adolescent pregnancy and gaining support for adolescent parents. We’ve set a goal of increasing membership by 10% this year, and want to add another 50 organizations or 150 individuals BY SEPTEMBER 30 to expand our reach. Visit our Membership page to join the MOAPPP network today!
Research
Changes in Depressive Symptoms in Mothers in Home Visiting Programs
This study of over 800 women participating in Home Visitation Programs found that maternal depression is prevalent and many mothers exhibit elevated symptoms at multiple time points over the first year of service. Interpersonal trauma history is also prevalent, and is predictive of increased depressive symptoms over time. Home Visitation Programs should note that mothers with interpersonal trauma history, young maternal age and being African American have an increased likelihood of persistent depressive symptoms, which may in turn pose significant challenges to providing services.
Childbearing Outside of Marriage
A report by the Centers for Disease Control shows that teenagers accounted for just 23% of nonmarital births in 2007, down steeply from 50% in 1970. Much of the change has to do with the fact that more adults are choosing not to marry, so more children are born to single adult mothers.
Second Births to Teenage Mothers: Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth
According to researchers, the risk of poor outcomes of second births to adolescents is related to young mothers’ smoking during pregnancy, gaining too little weight while pregnant, having closely spaced pregnancies and receiving inadequate prenatal care—behaviors that may be modified with appropriate interventions. The authors of this study suggest that health care providers work to identify and address modifiable health risk behaviors during routine clinic visits. They also recommend that to ensure the long-term economic well-being of both adolescent mothers and their children, programs encourage and support young mothers in finishing high school and pursuing higher education.
Resources
Power Source Parenting: Now Available to Address Emotional and Social Challenges Facing At-Risk Teen Parents
A new book released by the Lionheart Foundation, Power Source Parenting: Growing Up Strong and Raising Healthy Kids, is a hands-on parenting guide to address the social and emotional issues of high-risk teen parents. It is currently being piloted in youth development centers and parenting classes in Massachusetts and distributed free of charge to professionals across the country who serve young parents.
Free copies of Power Source Parenting are available to professionals who are working with pregnant or at-risk teen parents in a counseling capacity. For more information, visit www.lionheart.org.
Zero to Three: Development of 6 to 9-Month-Olds
Zero to Three is a great resource for parents. This page discusses what to look for at age 6 to 9 months, what baby is experiencing and learning and what parents can do with babies who are this age.
Free Meals for Children Available in Selected Communities
Did you know that children in your community can receive FREE meals this summer? The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), providing free meals for children ages 1 to 18, may be offered in your local community. Click here to see a location near you.
Upcoming MOAPPP Trainings
WE CAN PARENT TOGETHER: PROFESSIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOPS
Tools for engaging fathers, mothers and others in co-parenting
When parents are consistent and support each other in the task of parenting, children benefit. This workshop presents the basics and benefits of co-parenting and offers strategies and best practices to utilize in supporting any family working to raise children in a healthy, safe environment. Specific focus will be given to the unique challenges of divorcing and never-married parents, adolescent parents or those with substance-abuse/dependence-related concerns.
The 2009 Fall Regional Workshops are being presented by Minnesota Fathers & Families Network; Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota; the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center; the Minnesota Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention and Parenting; University of Minnesota Extension; and the Department of Human Services Children’s Trust Fund.
Register here. Session objectives are available here. All sessions will take place from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
WE CAN PARENT TOGETHER: PROFESSIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOPS
Thursday, September 24, Fergus Falls
Friday, September 25, Bemidji
Wednesday, September 30, St. Paul
Wednesday, October 14, Hermantown (Duluth area)
Thursday, October 22, Owatonna
Tuesday, October 27, West St. Paul
Friday, October 30, Little Falls
Thursday, November 5, Redwood Falls
(Please note that if you received a printed MOAPPP training calendar in the mail, the dates and places were incorrect.)
Other Upcoming Trainings
July 23, 2009
Fathers to the Forefront: Public Policy Year-In-Review
10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Shriners Hospital
2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis
Join this conversation about changes taking place in government policies around father-inclusion. The agenda will include 2009 legislative highlights, state and federal policies changes that affect dads and beginning a conversation around 2010 legislative priorities.
Sponsored by the Minnesota Fathers & Families Network with support from the McKnight Foundation. RSVP to Paul Masiarchin at [email protected] or 651-222-7432. This event is free, but RSVP required.
Funding Opportunities
Funding Opportunities from the Federal Government Stimulus Package
Ready 4 K has a list on their website of funding available to programs working with young children and families. For specific information, see the Minnesota Early Childhood ARRA Funding Guide (PDF).
For more resources and information about adolescent parents, visit the Adolescent Parent Program page on the MOAPPP website.