In the Blue Mountains area of NSW there is an innovative programme that has been running for over a decade, tailored specifically to young mothers and their children. Parenting Young is an organisation that runs supported meetings and play groups for teenage parents and their children. The aim of the organisation is to provide support for young parents, while helping them develop the skills and confidence to be effective parents.
This group meets weekly during school terms and holds retreats, where parents and children spend a weekend away in a group situation. The service is provided through the coordination of a number of government and community service providers, meeting the varied needs of the teen mothers. A variety of professionals provide …show more content…
Both of these factors further add to the likelihood of living longer in lowered socio-economic conditions (Cox et al., 2008; McDonell et al., 2007). Lower socio-economic living can contribute to a lack of skills necessary for developing supportive social structures and relationships. It can also reduce the ability in problem solving and decision making, both personally and socially, also the ability to control impulsive behaviour which may lead to subsequent pregnancies and keep the cycle going (McDonell et al., 2007). There have been numerous methods of intervention and support devised for adolescent parents, based on both individual and group models. These programs focus on the welfare of both the young mothers and their children (Pinzon & Jones, …show more content…
The Pathways Project, was designed to reduce the incidence of subsequent pregnancies, increase school attendance and graduation, reduce substance abuse and improve general well- being in adolescent mothers (McDonell et al., 2007). It was reported that this model, specifically designed to help pregnant and parenting teens, was overwhelmingly successful. Young mothers involved in the program were able to continue their schooling and in the long term did not experience any disadvantage due to their early parenting (McDonell et al., 2007). The program was also shown to reduce risk behaviours, allowing the young mother to become more focused on their goals. The results recorded less repeat pregnancies, drug use and self-harming behaviour. These teens also strengthened their supportive relationships and developed a more positive outlook on life. More so, they found that the community also became involved in the project, with other agencies coming on board to assist (McDonell et al., 2007). The availability of group based intervention programs appears to provide multiple benefits to not only the mother and child but also the extended family and even the wider community. Although the available research has only involved small groups, all indications point in a positive direction regarding the beneficial outcomes for both
This group meets weekly during school terms and holds retreats, where parents and children spend a weekend away in a group situation. The service is provided through the coordination of a number of government and community service providers, meeting the varied needs of the teen mothers. A variety of professionals provide …show more content…
Both of these factors further add to the likelihood of living longer in lowered socio-economic conditions (Cox et al., 2008; McDonell et al., 2007). Lower socio-economic living can contribute to a lack of skills necessary for developing supportive social structures and relationships. It can also reduce the ability in problem solving and decision making, both personally and socially, also the ability to control impulsive behaviour which may lead to subsequent pregnancies and keep the cycle going (McDonell et al., 2007). There have been numerous methods of intervention and support devised for adolescent parents, based on both individual and group models. These programs focus on the welfare of both the young mothers and their children (Pinzon & Jones, …show more content…
The Pathways Project, was designed to reduce the incidence of subsequent pregnancies, increase school attendance and graduation, reduce substance abuse and improve general well- being in adolescent mothers (McDonell et al., 2007). It was reported that this model, specifically designed to help pregnant and parenting teens, was overwhelmingly successful. Young mothers involved in the program were able to continue their schooling and in the long term did not experience any disadvantage due to their early parenting (McDonell et al., 2007). The program was also shown to reduce risk behaviours, allowing the young mother to become more focused on their goals. The results recorded less repeat pregnancies, drug use and self-harming behaviour. These teens also strengthened their supportive relationships and developed a more positive outlook on life. More so, they found that the community also became involved in the project, with other agencies coming on board to assist (McDonell et al., 2007). The availability of group based intervention programs appears to provide multiple benefits to not only the mother and child but also the extended family and even the wider community. Although the available research has only involved small groups, all indications point in a positive direction regarding the beneficial outcomes for both