Case study of the Women"s Center of Jamaica Foundation program for adolescent mothers

Since its inception in 1978, the Program has had two goals: (1) to enable teenage girls to continue their schooling during their pregnancy and return to the school system as soon as possible after the birth of their child; and (2) to educate young women about family planning to prevent a second pregnancy during their adolescent years. The Program has developed a comprehensive strategy to address the immediate and long-term needs of teen mothers -- strategies that include cooperative relationships with schools, courts, churches and health centers, and the involvement of girls" parents. Formal evaluations of the Program show it has met with success. More than 16,500 girls participated from 1978 through 1994, and most returned to school after their pregnancies. The repeat pregnancy rate for participants is 1.3-1.4% annually (pregnancy rates of participants are monitored through secondary school). In focus group discussions, former participants say the WCJF offered a supportive, nonjudgmental environment during a stressful time in their lives. Through its emphasis on education and personal responsibility as a means to self-sufficiency, participants said the Program encouraged them to think about their futures, helped them improve relationships with parents and build strong relationships with their children, and prepared them for the difficult dual role of mother and student. (Author abstract)