The teen pregnancy rate in the United States is higher than in any other developed nation, with 34 percent of teenage girls becoming pregnant before the age of 20. Raising a child at such as young age can place a teenage mother under extreme emotional stress. The University of Nevada notes that teen mothers are less likely to complete their educations and more likely to live in poverty. Programs exist, however, to help teen mothers improve their economic conditions and quality of life.
Second Chance Homes
A “second chance home” is an alternative living arrangement for teens who cannot live with their natural parents. Federal law prohibits teen mothers from receiving government aid unless they reside with a parent, adult relative or guardian. Unfortunately, this causes some teen mothers to remain in abusive or otherwise unhealthy environments lest they risk losing their aid.
Second chance homes aim to provide teenage mothers with a safe and healthy living environment that also allows them to comply with federal welfare regulations. These alternative living arrangements are funded both locally and through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Over 30 states offer second chance housing programs.
Alternative Education
Due to the responsibilities that come with being a parent, many teen mothers find it difficult, if not impossible, to finish their high school educations. A 2008 "Wall Street Journal" report notes that high school graduates earn roughly $300,000 more over their lifetimes than those who dropped out of school early. Thus, finishing high school can give a teen mother a considerable financial advantage.
Many school districts offer alternative school programs for pregnant teens and teen mothers. These alternative programs allow teen mothers to earn their high school diplomas while also learning valuable parenting skills. While each program varies, some allow teens to bring their children with them to class while others provide shorter school days to allow teen mothers more time with their children.
Childcare Programs
Some school districts, such as the Portland, Oregon, public school district, provide on-site childcare for the children of teen mothers. Like alternative education programs, the goal of childcare programs in public schools is to help teen mothers earn a high school diploma and avoid poverty. Childcare programs may be free or reduced depending on the program’s requirements or the income level of the teen’s household. Some programs also provide childcare for teens who choose to attend college or who need help with their children while they work.
Counseling Programs
Teen mothers are more likely to suffer psychological and mental health problems than women who wait until adulthood to become parents, according to the University of Nevada. Counseling, then, is often necessary to help some teen mothers come to terms with the significant life changes they face. While public schools often provide counseling services for students, counseling centers sometimes offer free mental health services especially geared toward pregnant or parenting teens, according to Children’s Friend, an organization that helps children and families in Massachusetts.
References
- University of Nevada: Teen Sexuality and Pregnancy in Nevada
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: About Second Chance Homes
- The Wall Street Journal: The High School Dropout’s Economic Ripple Effect
- Portland Public School District: Teen Parent Services
- Children’s Friend: School Age Mothers
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