Feds Grant $23 Million for Teen Pregnancy Prevention

The Federal Government Awards $23 Million to Fund Initiatives for Preventing Teen Pregnancy

The federal government is awarding $23 million to fund initiatives aimed at preventing teen pregnancy, particularly among young people in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. This builds on the $68.5 million granted for the same purpose earlier this summer. 

The funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Population Affairs and is intended to foster innovation, build an evidence base, and improve equity in the office’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP). 

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The awarded funding aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Specifically, it contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health. It also promotes SDG 5: Gender Equality, by addressing disparities and promoting equity in teen pregnancy prevention. 

Overview of the Funding and Target Populations

1. The awards are for five-year projects, beginning in September.
2. This round of funding is aimed at programs working with populations that have greater needs and disparities in the context of sexual health.
3. Several recipient projects focus on youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, who have significantly higher rates of teen pregnancy and early parenthood compared to their peers.
4. Other target populations include teens who are already parents, rural youth, and younger teens.

Recipients of the Funding

• The University of Texas at Austin
• Policy and Research L.L.C.
• The Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies
• The Seattle-King County Public Health Department
• The Research Triangle Institute
• Other organizations providing education and programming for middle and high school students, parents, and caregivers.

Innovative Approaches and Virtual Learning Options

In addition to reaching underserved populations, the funded projects will test innovative delivery approaches, including video games, instructional videos, and other virtual learning options. These approaches align with SDG 4: Quality Education, by utilizing technology to provide comprehensive sexual education to young people. 

Prior Funding and Disparities in Sexual Health Education

In June, the Office of Population Affairs announced $68.5 million in funding spread across 29 states and Puerto Rico. The programs funded by this grant are estimated to collectively serve 210,000 youth annually. However, access to comprehensive sex education and reproductive health care is lacking for many foster youth. This disparity was highlighted in a report that emphasized the rights of foster youth to access contraception and abortion. 

Impact on Foster Youth

Youth in foster care are roughly twice as likely to experience teen pregnancy as their peers. Many of those who become pregnant as teens report more than one pregnancy. This not only affects their own lives but also increases the likelihood of their children entering foster care. By addressing the specific needs of youth in foster care, these initiatives contribute to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by promoting equal opportunities and outcomes for all young people. 

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these SDGs because they address the need for improved adolescent sexual and reproductive health, promotion of positive youth development, and advancement of health equity. The article specifically mentions the disparities and higher rates of teen pregnancy among youth in foster care and juvenile justice systems, which aligns with the goals of reducing inequalities and promoting justice.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
• Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
• Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

These targets are relevant to the issues discussed in the article as they aim to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services, promote education for sustainable development, achieve gender equality, reduce inequalities, and protect children from abuse and violence.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:

• Teen pregnancy rates among youth in foster care and juvenile justice systems
• Availability and accessibility of comprehensive sex education and reproductive health care for foster youth
• Number of innovative delivery approaches tested, such as video games, instructional videos, and virtual learning options
• Number of youth reached and served by the funded programs

These indicators can be used to track progress in achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, improving education for sustainable development, promoting gender equality, reducing inequalities, and ensuring the safety and well-being of children.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: imprintnews.org

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