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Fresh Help for Teenage Mothers, Young Fathers and their Children

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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