MOAPPP’s November 2004 E-Monthly

by

Table of Contents

New resources available from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Not Yet: Programs to Delay First Sex Among Teens: describes programs that have been proven, through rigorous evaluation, to postpone sexual activity among participants. Two New Science Says briefs: Another Chance and The Relationship Between Teenage Motherhood and Marriage. All publications are available for download and purchase on the National Campaign website

Report Synthesizes Research on Teen Mothers and Marriage

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, in collaboration with Child Trends, recently released The Relationship Between Teenage Motherhood and Marriage (PDF), a research brief developed and written by Child Trends’ researchers Suzanne Ryan, Jennifer Manlove, and Kristin A. Moore. The brief explores trends in teenage motherhood and marriage, contrasts teen mothers’ marital hopes with the realities of their marriage chances, and looks at the consequences for teen mothers of remaining unmarried. The brief is a part of the National Campaign’s Science Says series.

New book on adolescent health, sex, and pregnancy prevention — Reality Check: Teen Pregnancy Prevention Strategies That Work

The book is a compilation of essays written by the country’s leading experts It highlights several innovative approaches to issues such as sex education, access to contraception, youth development, policy implications, and male responsibility. For more information, visit the Get Real About Teen Pregnancy website.

Recipes for Success: Fresh Ideas for Teen Parenting Programs

The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina (APPCNC) produced this publication in response to growing requests from professionals seeking new ideas to help them provide services for expectant and parenting teens. This guidebook includes strategies found effective by other providers, as well as articles by experts in the field. For a copy of the book visit the APPCNC website.

Improving the Health of Adolescents & Young Adults: A Guide for States and Communities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have released Improving the Health of Adolescents & Young Adults: A Guide for States and Communities. The Guide is a companion to Healthy People 2010. The Guide was developed by CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health and HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Office of Adolescent Health, in collaboration with the National Adolescent Health Information Center (University of California, San Francisco). Printed versions or CD-ROMs of Improving the Health of Adolescents & Young Adults: A Guide for States and Communities can be ordered free of charge at the NIIAH site. The complete text of the Guide is available online for reading, and for downloading and printing.

Introducing the Healthy Youth Development Prevention Research Center

The University of Minnesota’s Prevention Research Center – formerly known as the National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Research Center – was recently awarded a 5-year renewal of their grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The name change coincides with this funding renewal and reflects a broadening of the scope of research that the center conducts. Promoting youth development as a powerful strategy for reducing health disparities among Minnesota’s youth is the core of the center’s mission. Contact Lynn Bretl at 612-730-9029 or for more information.

James Wagoner of Advocates for Youth Visits Minnesota

Willmar, Saint Paul and Minnesota Public Radio all played host to James Wagoner, President of Advocates for Youth, who visited Minnesota in October to speak about the importance of relying on science in comprehensive sexual health education and prevention of HIV, STDs and unintended pregnancy – and how ideology has been getting in the way of sound scientific approaches to public health. The Willmar forum on October 18 was attended by local HIV advocates, teen pregnancy prevention advocates, as well as local health care and educational leaders and discussed the importance of making sure kids get accurate and complete information about sexuality that is based on what we know works. On Tuesday, October 19, Wagoner also participated in a debate on MPR’s Mid-Morning show, along with a representative of the conservative Heritage Foundation. Wagoner soundly countered the arguments presented for abstinence-only education; pointing out the flaws and lack of credible evidence in such approaches while advocating for comprehensive sex ed. That evening, Wagoner spoke to a large group at Macalester College about current efforts by the federal government to replace science with ideology in public health and how organizations fighting those efforts are coming under attack.

Find out how your legislators voted — Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota 2003-2004 Legislative Scorecard

Each year the Children’s Defense Fund Action Council reports on how state legislators voted on key issues affecting children and families over the last two years. This scorecard includes votes cast by lawmakers during the 83rd State Legislative Biennial Session covering 2003 and 2004. You can view the scorecard online (PDF).