THE ISSUE:
The issue of teenage mothers is one that affects both the mom and the child. Teenage mothers are more likely to be at economic risk and therefore become dependent on government financial assistance for their basic needs and more likely to have multiple children during their teenage years. The children of single teen mothers are three to six times more likely to experience abuse, mental and developmental delays, be in poorer health, drop out of school and use drugs. And they are significantly more likely to become teen mothers or fathers themselves. SEE STATS
RESULTS:
United Way of the Plains is helping break the negative cycle of poverty and abuse that trap many teen mothers and their children through an early-intervention program that uses mentors to establish a support system. SEE ACTIONS
