Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Over the most recent three-year period for which statistics are available, Kern County had the highest teen birthrate of all 58 counties in California: 62.8 live births for every 1,000 girls ages 15 to 19. Compare that to 32.1 live births per 1,000 statewide in 2009. In Kern County, the 2009 birthrate translates to 2,127 babies born to teen mothers who may not have completed high school nor were prepared to support and parent a child placing these young children at risk of experiencing poverty, abuse and neglect during their childhood.
What Can We Do About Teen Pregnancy
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• Talk with your teen early and often about sex, contraception, your morals and values.
• Make their future attractive by teaching your teen to dream.
• Encourage good health care. Take your child to the physician for regular appointments.
Resources:
- The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
- 10 Tips For Parents to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
- Talking to Your Kids About, ahem, You Know What (S.E.X)
- Especially For Teens: Know the Facts About Teen Pregnancy
- Especially For Teens: Frequently Asked Questions About Sex & Pregnancy
- Outreach to Foster Youth
- Parent Tip Sheet (English/Spanish)
- How Latino Faith Communities Can Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy (En Espanol)
- Bridging Two Worlds: How Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs Can Better Serve Latino Youth (En Espanol)
- Talking Back: Ten Things Teens Want Adults to Know About Teen Pregnancy
- Involving Teen Boys and Young Men in Teen Pregnancy Prevention
- Promoting Responsible Fatherhood through Pregnancy Planning and Prevention
- It’s Your Responsibility to Talk to Youth: Pregnancy Prevention for Youth in Foster Care
- It’s Your Call: A Guide for Foster Youth
- Pregnant and Parenting Teens in Foster Care in Fresno County, California: Who Are They and How Can We Help?
En Espanol
Kern County Agencies