| Adolescent
sexuality remains one of the most intractable problems in America today, and researchers
are only now beginning to understand its causes and effects. In an effort to disseminate
new information and devise possible solutions, University of Missouri Extension formed the
Center on Adolescent Sexuality, Pregnancy and Parenting (CASPP) in 1998. Pike, state human development specialist and the center's
director, defines the CASPP mission: to provide education and applied research to
discourage high-risk sexual behaviors among adolescents.
The center's comprehensive approach provides technical assistance;
helps communities develop programs that address adolescent sexuality, pregnancy and
parenting; provides information and referral to programs in these areas; assists with
program development to meet emerging needs; conducts research and evaluation of existing
programs; and provides training opportunities.
One successful program has already been implemented. The Missouri
Volunteer Resource Mothers (MVRM) is a field-tested program that pairs pregnant teens with
volunteer mentors who see them through their pregnancies and into the babies' first year.
CASPP has contracted with five Missouri communities to help setup such programs. The
communities are Gainsville, Columbia, Rolla, Bethany and Kansas City.
“For $3,000, which is really quite a bargain,
they get four site visits, manual and video, a research report, unlimited phone
consultation and evaluation services,” Pike said. “We're there for them for a
year to get them going. Hopefully they'll be able to carry on.”
Researchers at CASPP study not only the problems of
teenage sexuality but the factors that contribute to them. For instance, social scientists
have established a strong link between child abuse and teen pregnancy. One of the first
projects the center is developing is a community-based manual on violence and teen
pregnancy. Twelve regional extension specialists will field test the manual for six
months, starting in June.
“We're finding there is quite a bit of dual
abuse,” Pike says. “The teens are abused at home and also abused by the people
they're dating.” Moreover, roughly half of teen mothers report they had been sexually
abused as children. Studies also show that children who are sexually abused are more
likely to engage in sex earlier and not use birth control or protection.
“We know that education can help to address the
issue of potential child abuse among teen mothers,” Pike said.
Research associated with the Resource Mothers
program indicated that education and support reduced the potential for abuse by these
young mothers. Pike said this exemplifies the purpose of the center, which is to conduct
research and provide educational support to address problems faced by teens and their
families. |
