We should all be working to combat the stigma and normalize talking about menstruation in an inclusive and affirming way By Caro Hernandez October 3, 2024 F or people who menstruate, this change can bring up all kinds of feelings, … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Decoding Sexual & Reproductive Health: The Language of Policy
Quick tips on how to navigate elections and make sure you vote in alignment with your values By Lilith Breazeale By JB Rodriguez-Anello October 22, 2024 S ince the overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022, there have been numerous … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
If You Really Want to Help Students Who Are Pregnant…
The Pregnant Students Rights Act stigmatizes, restricts, and shames people’s choices. By Patti Flowers By Mackenzie Flynn May 28, 2024 W e’ve been paying attention to The Pregnant Student Rights Act (H.R.6914/S.2974), which Congress is currently considering. When it comes … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
How Well Do You REALLY Understand Human Reproduction?
Sex => Babies. Or is there more to the story? By Rachel H.S. Ginocchio, MPH June 6, 2024 For eons, we’ve been explaining human reproduction the same way: babies are the result of sex (more specifically, penis-in-vagina sex). But, … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Sorry, Alabama, But Declaring It So Doesn’t Make It So. Embryos Are Not Children.
The Alabama ruling is not an outlier. It is what we all expected when we heard about the Dobbs decision. And it’s why we continue to raise alarms now. Because this is a continued, intentional effort to restrict Americans’ freedoms. … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Marlen Ramirez to Receive 2023 Healthy Teen Network Outstanding Former Young Parent Award
Pregnancy and Parenting
How to Use Storytelling as a Vehicle for Social Change
6 Storytelling Lessons Learned while Creating the Casey Young Parents Stories. By Patricia Natalie, MA June 8, 2023 When I first joined Healthy Teen Network in March 2022, my first project was to “create stories about young parents that can … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Offering the “Right Support” for Young Parents
Young parents are usually really motivated to access services…it’s our job to make sure the supports are they and they can access them. By Valerie Sedivy, PhD May 18, 2023 In a perfect world, Mother’s Day is a celebration of … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
How the Dobbs Decision Affects Youth in Care and Recommendations for Providers
How a post-Roe world affects youth in care: some general thoughts and suggestions for practitioners and researchers. December 12, 2022 The United States has seen a dramatic reduction in the rates of both unintended pregnancy and childbearing among people of … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Daring to Dream at #HealthyTeen22
Thank you for daring to dream with us in Miami! November 4, 2022 During our staff meeting before the conference, we asked everyone to share one thing they were excited about for this year’s conference. Every single person mentioned they … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Jessica “J.R.” Chester to Receive 2022 Healthy Teen Network Outstanding Former Young Parent Award
With her background as a sexual health educator and her lived experience as a former repeat teen parent, J.R. has made it her life’s mission to help individuals and families achieve optimal pre-conception, pregnancy, birth, and parenting experiences. August 26, … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Eight Factors to Increase Postsecondary Success among Young Parents in and Aging out of Foster Care
The Practical Application of the Young Parents Logic Model By Gina Desiderio By Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP July 22, 2022 Young parents thrive when they have access to quality supports and services. The complicating factor is that these supports and … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
SEARChing to Address Dyslexia–Capes Not Required
Pregnancy and Parenting
Storms & Blossoms: Navigating Parenting During the Pandemic
Pregnancy and Parenting
Now Available! A Tool You Can Use: The Young Parents Logic Model
Pregnancy and Parenting
On and Off the Field: How Title IX Protects the Rights of All Young People
Anyone who works in schools, or with students in other educational settings, can benefit from learning more about Title IX protections. By Mariah Cowsert June 24, 2021 When you hear “Title IX,” your mind likely goes first to sports. Indeed, … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Zooming, No Contact Deliveries, and Food Bank Drive-Throughs: Engaging Young Parents (and Parents-to-Be!) During A Pandemic
An inside look at how some of our members leveraged partnerships & personal & professional growth when facing the challenges of pandemic life By Deborah Chilcoat, MEd May 8, 2021 We’ve heard from the CDC, Dr. Fauci, and just last … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Connecting Pregnant and Parenting Foster Youth with Home Visiting Services
Collaboration between the home visiting and child welfare systems benefits adolescent parents and their children. By Amy Dworsky, PhD April 22, 2021 A dolescent motherhood is difficult under the best of circumstances. Adolescent mothers must navigate both the normative developmental … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Were you in foster care?
If so, we want to hear from you. Text the word STORIES to 313131 January 29, 2021 If you are 18 to 26 years old, currently parenting a child, and were in foster care around age 17, or have “aged-out” … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
ReSHAPING Launches Partnership with Healthy Teen Network and New Website
Looking for the latest research on sexual health and adolescent parents in out of home care? We have it for you on ReSHAPING’s brand new website. By Claudette Grinnell-Davis, PhD, MS, MSW By Bryn King, PhD, MSW October 27, 2020 … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Legislation to Reauthorize Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) Introduced
PAF provides vital support services to empower young parents and their children to thrive. June 26, 2019 For Immediate Release W ashington, DC — Yesterday, July 25, Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Robert Casey (D-PA) introduced legislation (S.2296) to reauthorize the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF). The … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Title IX: Protect Your Rights
Young people who are pregnant or parenting face discrimination. By understanding Title IX law, you can help protect your rights. By Deborah Chilcoat, MEd June 23, 2020 D iscrimination against pregnant and parenting students is alive and well…and could be … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) Reauthorization Sign-On Letter
PAF provides vital support services to empower young parents and their children to thrive. Updated December 02, 2020 For Immediate Release Dear Member of Congress: The undersigned organizations express our support for the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) and urge Congress … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
How to Find Housing and Services for Young People Who Are Pregnant or Parenting
We often get questions from young people who are pregnant or parenting, looking for housing and other support services. We do not provide housing or direct services, but we have put together a list of resources that may help young people find … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Helping Pregnant and Parenting Teens Find Housing
We compiled these resources that could be useful for young people who are pregnant and experiencing homelessness in the United States. April 18, 2018 In 2002, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the U.S. Department of Justice … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
The Importance of an Inclusive Youth 360° Message for Adolescent Health & Well-Being
Statement from Healthy Teen Network on the Observance of the National Month to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. By Patricia Paluzzi, CNM, DrPH May 8, 2014 As Healthy Teen Network participates in the 13th annual observance of the National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, we are … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Lisa’s Story, Part II
Pregnancy and Parenting
Lisa’s Story, Part I
I want to tell you the story of a friend, of a mother, of a dreamer. By Genevieve Martínez García, PhD August 1, 2012 Iwant to tell you the story of a friend, of a mother, of a dreamer. Lisa* … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Turning 40 and Still Dreaming Big!
Pregnancy and Parenting
Talking About a Revolution
I want to start a revolution. I want young mothers to speak up and claim the honor, respect, and appreciation they deserve…and not just on Mother’s Day. By Deborah Chilcoat, MEd May 10, 2012 I want to start a revolution. … Read More
Pregnancy and Parenting
Seeking Validation: A Former Teen Parent’s Journey
I had my four children when I was 13, 15, 17, and 19 years old. As I grew up and raised my family, people would often ask, “How did you make it?” By Guest Blogger Todaé Charles January 10, 2012 Growing … Read More