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Current Issues: November |
| 1. Summary |  |
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In
1999 the Government established a working group to look at the issues of
teenage pregnancy and parenthood. The Teenage Parenthood Working Group
included representatives from many groups active in this area and
consulted widely with various bodies and individuals, including young
people. The
report of the working group, Myths
& Reality: Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood, has now been issued
for public consultation. It is hoped that recommendations outlined in the
report will form the basis for concerted action to reduce the number of
teenage pregnancies here and also to address the difficulties which young
parents and their families face during pregnancy The
report contains an analysis of the birth pattern to teenage mothers and
research evidence about associated risk taking behaviour among teenagers
here. The report explains why efforts to reduce the rates of teenage
pregnancy must focus on raising expectations among young people and on
equipping them with the confidence and skills to manage relationships. No
one organisation or sector is equipped to deal adequately with all these
factors. The development of strong cross-sectoral partnerships is
essential. This
summary highlights the key issues raised in the report. A
copy of the full report is available in libraries or may be obtained from
the dhss website at; www.dhsspsni.gov.uk |
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