MOAPPP November 2008 E-Monthly

Gaining Support for Teen Parent Families

For the past year, MOAPPP has been part of a national advisory group with the Healthy Teen Network and the FrameWorks Insitute collaborating in research designed to identify, test and deploy new messages that might have the potential to change the public conversation about support for young families. Findings from the first phase of this three-phase project are summarized in this review (PDF) of how the media and the advocates in the field currently frame this group of teenagers and the issues they face.

The report includes new suggested frames that will be tested through focus groups and survey research in the next phase of the project.

Contact Brigid Riley at 651-644-1447 x11 for more information about this project.

Thanks to the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota for their support of this effort.


Amazon.com and Holiday Gift Giving

Why not give holiday gifts this year that also give back? Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list this season at Amazon.com Gift Central. Link to amazon.com by way of MOAPPP’s website and MOAPPP will receive a percentage of the sale. A link to amazon.com appears on the left-side navigation bar on every page of MOAPPP’s website for your convenience. Remember to make all of your amazon.com purchases through MOAPPP!


MOAPPP Seeks Adolescent Sexual Health Data Intern

MOAPPP is hiring an intern for January 2009 through July 2009. The primary function of this internship is to increase dissemination and use of science-based information and resources regarding adolescent reproductive health. For more information and an application, link to our job opportunities page.


“Call for Presentations” – MOAPPP’s 18th Annual Conference, May 7-8, 2009

We invite you to submit a workshop proposal for MOAPPP’s 18th Annual Conference, May 7-8, 2009. The conference brings together over 400 health and social service providers, educators, advocates and managers who work to prevent adolescent pregnancy and support pregnant and parenting adolescents. Go to the conference page of the MOAPPP website for more information.


2009 MOAPPP Annual Awards Nominations

Each year, MOAPPP honors individuals, agencies, policy makers and programs that make outstanding contributions toward the promotion of adolescent sexual health, the prevention of adolescent pregnancy and the support of adolescent parents in Minnesota. Please let us know about the people you know who deserve to be recognized by their peers. With your help, we can honor the remarkable efforts going on throughout the state. Nominations are due on February 6, 2009. Please download the nomination form (PDF).


Spotlight on Community Connections

Be sure to visit the new Community Connections section of the MOAPPP website to discover the community-specific resources we’ve put together. This month, we’d like to shine a spotlight on Asian Women United of Minnesota. AWUM is a community-based, nonprofit organization committed to ending violence against Asian women and children, empowering Asian women and girls, and building stronger and safer communities. In addition to running a shelter for battered women, AWUM has a variety of community programs, including Court Advocacy, Legal Advocacy and Information and Referral Services.

Other Announcements

Federal Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Grantees Announced

Recipients of Federal funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs were recently announced. Sex education programs that promote the use of contraceptives are not eligible for funding under this announcement. Community-Based Abstinence program grantees for fiscal year 2009 can be found at www.acf.hhs.gov. For more information about grant criteria, visit www.acf.hhs.gov.

In the News

Sexual Content on Television is Strongly Associated with Teen Pregnancy

A new study indicates that adolescents who had the greatest exposure to television programs with sexual content were twice as likely to get pregnant or impregnate someone as those who saw fewer programs of this kind. This is the first study to demonstrate this association.


One in Four Teen Girls Received HPV Vaccine in First Full Year of Distribution

Data released by CDC indicate that 25% of teenage girls in the U.S. between ages 13 and 17 received at least one dose of Merck’s three-shot vaccine, Gardasil, last year. Gardasil is designed to protect against four strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV, two of which account for about 70% of cervical-cancer cases. Read the Wall Street Journal article.


Federal Study Shows No Link Between Gardasil and Adverse Effects

CDC officials recently reported that a federal study of reported deaths and serious adverse effects in girls and women who received the human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil shows that the events are not likely related to the vaccine. Read more at www.nationalpartnership.org. To read more about the study, visit www.cdc.gov.


Researchers Win Nobel Prize in Medicine for the Discovery of HIV and the Link Between HPV and Cervical Cancer

German researcher Harald zur Hausen won part of the award for discovering the connection between human papillomavirus and cervical cancer, which eventually led to the development of HPV vaccines. The award is shared with two French scientists for their contributions to the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Read more at www.nationalpartnership.org.


Gloucester, MA. School Committee Votes to Allow School To Distribute Contraception

A school committee in Gloucester, MA. voted unanimously to allow contraceptives to be distributed at the high school after a reported “pregnancy pact” pushed the school into the media spotlight several months ago. The new policy will require parental consent in order for students to obtain contraception through the school’s health clinic. Read the Boston Globe article.


Proponents of Abstinence-Only Education Concerned Support Will Wane Under New Administration

In recent Newsweek coverage, supporters of abstinence-only-until-marriage programs expressed concerned about the future of these programs under a new administration that might not “be so dedicated to the cause.” Read more at www.nationalpartnership.org.

New Resources

Make the Connection: Engaging Families of Color in Teen Sexual Health – A New Resource from CARTA

Parents/families play a pivotal role in the healthy development and decision making of youth though they often feel awkward or unprepared when trying to discuss sexual health with their teen. While adolescent health providers have the opportunity to fill this gap, they sometimes lack ideas for being effective in doing so, particularly in ethnically diverse populations. Download materials in the Parent Family Engagement Series, including: Parent/Family Engagement: What Providers Should Know, What Providers Can Do, A Practical Guide to Culture In Sexual Health.


Bright Futures Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children and Adolescents

This new resource from Bright Futures provides child health promotion information and guidance for health professionals from pediatricians to public health officials to school nurses including a section on “Promoting Healthy Sexual Development” (PDF).


The Daddy Book: A Resource for New Fathers

Designed for new fathers, this excellent resource and activity book has detailed information about child development, father-child activities and much more. The book is free to download from the Minnesota Fathers and Families Network website at www.mnfathers.org (PDF).


Toolkit on the Prevention of Sexual Violence

The American College Health Association developed the Shifting the Paradigm: Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence toolkit to provide facts, ideas, strategies, conversation starters and resources to everyone on campus who cares about the prevention of sexual violence. While there is a rich volume of tools, knowledge, and resources for intervention after sexual violence, the emphasis of this toolkit is to encourage prevention activities that take place before sexual violence has occurred and which create social change and shift the norms regarding sexual violence. Visit the website to learn more.


Teen Dating Violence in the Muslim Community: Protecting the Family, Eradicating Hopelessness and Healing the Community by Sakeena Abdulraheem

The Faith Trust Institute website features an article about teen dating in the Muslim community. Muslim families practice a diverse array of cultural expectations in their households, which contributes to the complexity of their approach to teens and dating. Muslim families sometimes mix their secular practices with their religious practices, thus creating their own social norms. This mix often confuses the teenagers in these families in terms of understanding their identity and cultural expectations.

New Research

Contributions to the Rise in U.S. Adolescent Birth Rate

Between 1991 and 2005, the adolescent birth rate decreased 34% to a record low. Between 2005 and 2006, the adolescent birth rate increased 3%—the first increase in 15 years. This report (PDF) examines available data on teen sexual activity and contraceptive use and offers some thoughts on what may have contributed to the increase in the adolescent birth rate.


Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Among Adolescents Receiving Special Education Services

This study was designed to estimate the relative risk of STIs among youth identified as having learning disabilities through the special education system. The finding that children with learning disabilities are at similar or greater risk for contracting STIs as other youth suggests the need to further understand their risk behaviors and the potential need to develop prevention programs specific to their learning needs.


Parents Know and Parents Matter: Is it Time to Develop Family-Based HIV Prevention Programs for Young Men Who Have Sex with Men?

This study examined the potential for a family-based HIV prevention approach for gay and bisexually identified young men.


Reproductive Behaviors and Motivation Among Adolescent and Young Adult Males

This research brief (PDF) draws on data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth to present a picture of reproductive health behaviors among U.S. adolescent and young adult males (ages 15-24). The brief is intended to help health professionals, policymakers and parents learn more about the circumstances of males in the adolescent and young adult years.


Initiation of Oral Contraceptives

This study concluded that the Quick Start method of initiation of oral contraceptives with adolescents briefly improves continuation rates, although overall continuation rates are low.


Nearly One in Five Young Adult Women in US Report Having Experienced Forced Sex

Nearly one in five young adult women in the U.S. experience forced sexual intercourse. This fact sheet (PDF) uses nationally representative data to describe the types of force used during forced sexual intercourse. Variations in rates of forced sexual intercourse by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and sexual history are also examined.

MOAPPP Events

November 12-13, 2008

PRICE REDUCED!

It’s That Easy! Helping Parents Learn to Raise Sexually Healthy Children
(Formerly called PASE – Parents Are Sexuality Educators)

8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Ramsey County Public Works, Arden Hills

Looking for tools to encourage parents/caregivers who you work with to embrace their role as the primary sexuality educator of their children? It’s That Easy! is designed for professionals who work with parents/caregivers of children birth to 18 and offers tools and techniques to engage parents/caregivers in developmentally appropriate approaches to raising sexually healthy children.

Topics include attachment and parent-child connectedness, stages of sexual development, sharing family values on sexuality and healthy relationships, and influences of media and popular culture. Participants receive the It’s That Easy manual for implementation in their communities.

For more information, view the event flyer and registration form. If you have questions, contact Jocelyn Broyles at 651-644-1447 x19, [email protected].

Special acknowledgements to our partners for their dedication to this project: Healthy Youth Development-Prevention Research Center-U of MN, Health Start/West Side Community Health Services, Saint Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health, Sexual Violence Prevention Program-MN Dept. of Health, Teen Age Medical Service, West Suburban Teen Clinic, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota International Health Volunteers.


November 19, 2008
Service Learning 101

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
TIES Building
1667 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul

What is Service Learning? Why is it a beneficial strategy? How can organizations implement this strategy with young people in their organizations? Who should participate in Service Learning? If these questions have come up at your organization or if you are interested in learning more about Service Learning, this workshop is for you! Come hear from national experts in the field of Service Learning about the benefit and what needs to be done to do it with excellence. This training is a partnership between MOAPPP and National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC).

For more information, see the registration form or contact Jocelyn Broyles at 651-644.1447 x19 or [email protected]. The training is free but you must pre-register.


December 19, 2008
A Cultural Understanding of Skills-Based Sexuality Instruction

9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Richfield High School
7001 Harriet Avenue South, Richfield

Panelists with experience working with the Hispanic, Asian, African American, Somali, Native American and GLBTQ communities will share their perspectives about teaching youth skills to prevent teen pregnancy, HIV and STIs. Participants will also practice essential skills used in most science-based sexuality curricula. Panelists will respond to the skills practice, and offer suggestions for adaptations if necessary. Sponsored by Hennepin County Research, Planning and Development Department, MN Department of Education and MOAPPP.

For more information, see the flyer and event registration form. Questions? Contact Jill Farris at 651-644-1447 x18 or [email protected].

Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed Events

 Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed

MOAPPP is a founding member of the Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed. The Coalition advocates for policies on sexuality education and access to confidential health care for minors. Here is a list of Coalition events for 2008. For additional information, visit www.coalitionforsexed.org.

No Coalition events in November 2008.

Other Events

November 8, 2008 & February 7, 2009
Planned Parenthood Mother/Daughter and Mother/Son Retreats

Two Locations
November 8-Building FoundationsA Day of Connections for Mothers and Sons-Twin Cities
February 7, 2009-Making the ConnectionsA Day of Discovery for Mothers and Daughters-Duluth

These one-day retreats are for mothers (or female mentors) and their 10-12 year old daughters or sons. Each retreat day focuses on enhancing connection and communication while learning more about puberty, adolescence and emerging sexuality. For more information, see the Mother/Daughter retreat brochure or the Mother/Son brochure or call the Planned Parenthood information line at 612-821-6198


November 12, 2008
Promising Practices for Helping Pregnant and Parenting Students to Succeed

1:00 p.m. Eastern (12:00 p.m. Central)
Webinar

Join the National Women’s Law Center for a discussion about what schools can do to support this population, as well as a brief overview of the requirements of Title IX with respect to the treatment of pregnant and parenting students and some of the ways schools have violated the law. For more information and to register, visit the National Women’s Law Center website.


November 12-14, 2008
Health Disparities Conference, “Health Equality: Honoring Culture While Closing the Gap”

Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel, Prior Lake

Sponsored by the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health of the Minnesota Department of Health, the conference will explore innovative ways to create health equality for all Minnesotans and celebrate effective health initiatives designed to reduce disparities. The conference will also recognize the work of local organizations that are dedicated to reducing health disparities in Minnesota and acknowledge groups from across the country engaged in promoting health equality. For more information, see the registration page.


November 16-17, 2008
Dads Make A Difference Fall Teen Training

This training is for adults who work with teens in a school, youth-serving or faith-based organization. Make plans to bring the teens you work with to the DMAD that works best for you. For more information, see the flyer (PDF).


December 4, 2008
Contemporary Families: Formation, Function and the Future Conference

U of MN Continuing Education and Conference Center, St. Paul

This conference sponsored by the Minnesota Council on Family Relations will feature keynote speaker Stephanie Coontz, Director of Research and Public Education for the Council on Contemporary Families and family studies teacher at Evergreen State College. For more information, see the brochure (PDF).


January 12–13, 2009
Minnesota Fatherhood Summit

St. Cloud Civic Center, St. Cloud

Join MFFN for their 6th annual winter conference for professionals working in fatherhood programs, early childhood settings, public health, government agencies and related family/social service organizations. For more information, visit www.mnfathers.org or call 651-222-7432.

Funding Opportunities

21st Century Community Learning Centers—Cohort 4 Grant Competition

Approximately $3 million is available to establish or expand high-quality afterschool programs that offer a broad array of services and activities designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students before and after school, on school release days, weekends and school vacation periods. For more information, visit www.education.state.mn.us. Deadline: December 23, 2008.