Teen Pregnancy Program
Prematurity and low birth-weight among babies born to
adolescents are significant causes of intellectual
disabilities. The Kennedy Foundation
developed a program for pregnant teens that stresses moral values,
especially trust, respect, responsibility, caring, and family.
Community of Caring focuses on health and nutrition for the
pregnant teen, preparation for childbirth, development of parental skills,
and the importance of continuing in school and avoiding risk-taking
behavior. Parents and community volunteers play a significant role in
providing the array of support needed by these young families. A recent
program evaluation indicates that in Community of Caring programs for
pregnant teens, repeat pregnancies within one year are only 3.4% compared
to a national average of 22%; teen mothers receiving welfare average 34%
compared to a national average of 71%; 72% of the parenting teens return
to school to complete their high school education compared to the
national average of 56%; and the number of infants born with low birth
weight in the group is 5.6% compared with a national average close to 8%.
[Return to The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation Home Page]