DEPARTMENT FOR
CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES News Release (2007/0136) issued by
The Government News Network on 19 July 2007
Helping young
families cope with the demands of parenthood and reach their full
potential is a priority for Government, according to a strategy
published today.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families strategy for
reducing the numbers of teenage pregnancies has already proved a
success - with under 18 conception rates down by 11.8% and at
their lowest level for 20 years. While continuing the drive to
accelerate this reduction, we want to ensure that teenage parents
receive the support they need to make successful futures for
themselves and their children, and avoid repeat pregnancies in
their teenage years.
The vast majority of teenage pregnancies are unplanned and the
young parents and their children are much more likely to suffer
problems with their health, finances, education and social
integration. The children of teenage mothers are also more likely
to become young parents themselves.
This strategy is part of our long term goal to reduce teenage
pregnancy, by breaking the cycle of disadvantage, but more
immediately it aims to support teenage mothers and young fathers
to use contraception effectively to prevent second pregnancies.
Twenty percent of births conceived to under 18s are to young women
who are already teenage mothers.
Children born to teenage mothers also have 60 percent higher
rates of infant mortality than mothers aged 20-39 and are at
increased risk of low birth weight.
Young mothers tend to feel more isolated and depressed, drop out
of education or training, have an unhealthy lifestyle, smoke and
to be unaware of financial and other support.
Research shows a mother's poor emotional health can have
severe impacts on her child's future well-being and achievement.
For the first time the strategy also directly addresses the needs
of young fathers and some of the barriers that can prevent them
getting involved in their child's upbringing. Young fathers
report feeling unwelcome or ignored when it comes to accessing
services - yet those who are positively involved with their
children have a significant benefit on the child's welfare.
Aimed primarily at Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts, the
strategy advocates a package of tailored support, coordinated
through a lead professional.
Department for Children, Schools and Families Minister Beverley
Hughes, said:
"Our strategy to reduce teenage pregnancy is already working
and rates are at their lowest for 20 years. But we must now do
more to address the reality of teenagers who become parents - and
how best to support these vulnerable young people.
"By addressing this issue now, not only will we be able to
improve the lives of young parents, we can also help prevent
repeat pregnancies and reduce the negative outcomes associated
with the children of teenagers.
"Tailored services, honest, friendly professionals and long
term support are all part of the solution. Local authorities and
Primary Care Trusts need to work together to provide coordinated
support to make sure no young parent falls through the net.
"A group of young people, who are isolated, often falter in
education, have poor health and lack the confidence and skills to
live independently, are going to struggle in today's world.
As part of our drive to narrow inequalities, they are a key group
who deserve our help, commitment and support."
Health Minister Ann Keen said:
"This revised strategy is a welcome resource for those who
are providing much needed support for young parents. Research has
shown that there can be severe health impacts on teenage parents
and their children, including higher rates of premature births and
more frequent admissions to A&E."
"There are many challenges associated with improving
services for teenage parents. This strategy will help tackle these
challenges by encouraging agencies to work together and give
teenage parents the support they need to build successful and
healthy lives for themselves and their children."
Based on international data and research, the strategy aims to
improve the lives of teenage parents and their children through:
* A coordinated approach to each individual's needs,
delivered through one lead official;
* Increased understanding amongst professionals of the issues
around teenage parenthood;
* Improved access to contraception - to reduce repeat, unplanned pregnancies;
* More health and support services specifically for young mothers;
* Making young fathers feel welcome and included when accessing services;
* Early identification and targeting of vulnerable young parents;
* More long-term health support, including advice on
breastfeeding, nutrition and support to stop smoking;
* Help to build social and emotional skills and access positive
activities though joined-up health and youth services;
* Support for young parents to get back into education,
employment or training;
* Improved access to information on childcare, tax credits and benefits.
* Using mediation to encourage young mothers to remain within the
family home where possible to reduce their isolation and
encouraging the support of extended families and friends;
* Ensuring no lone parent under 18 is allocated an independent
tenancy without support.
The new strategy was developed in consultation with teenage
mothers, young fathers and front line professionals, drawing on
their experience and expertise . The thoughts of young parents are
highlighted in a special chapter reflecting their personal
perceptions of the services available.
These perceptions, underpinned with data and research, make a
convincing case for multi-agency support at a local level,
co-ordinated through a lead professional.
The strategy lays out what will be expected of local services in
terms of delivery, improved child health services, improved
emotional support for teenage mothers, help to achieve economic
well-being and support for young fathers.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1.Teenage Parents Next Steps: Guidance for Local Authorities and
Primary Care Trusts can be found, along with more information on
the teenage pregnancy strategy at http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/teenagepregnancy
2.The new Department for Children, Schools and Families will be
responsible for the Governments ambition for all young people to
achieve the five Every Child Matters outcomes: Be Healthy, Stay
Safe, Enjoy and Achieve, Make a Positive Contribution and Achieve
Economic Wellbeing. Some young people currently fall short of this
aim - particularly teenage parents and their children.
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