May 4, 2000

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention month, but the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency recognized the month every single month of the year.

The Health Services Agency's Responsibility, Education, Attitude and Leadership program has been working in the Patterson area to get the teen pregnancy numbers down. In 1996, out of a population of 582 teens, there were 56 births.

That makes Patterson a "hot spot," and means the area needs extra attention. The R.E.A.L. project holds many programs here, and the purpose at the heart of each is to bring the numbers down.

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Discussed last week were Circulo de Hombres, a program in which young men learn responsibility and the importance of credible word as well as cultural background Straight Talk, a program for youth on probation that teaches them about STD's, responsibility and respect, and allows them to discuss what is on their minds, and Postponing Sexual Involvement, a program at the junior high level that urges kids not to give in to peer pressure for early sexual involvement.

The Teen Outreach Program is another program run by the R.E.A.L. project. TOP lasts for a semester, and is conducted with all high school freshman during their health course. TOP's goal, according to R.E.A.L. project coordinator Laura Tarlo, is to prevent teen pregnancy and STD's.

It includes such curriculum as decision making, goal setting, communication, and contraceptive education.

Hablando Claro, or Speaking Clearly, is a program not for teens, but for parents. The object is to help parents increase and enhance communication skills with their children on sensitive issues such as sexuality.

PARENTING CLASSES

Most recently, a Latino parenting class was held, which Tarlo said was quite successful. The Hablando Claro workshops are held on an invitation basis for schools, churches, or other organizations.

The Muir Trail Girl Scout Council has a subcontract with the HSA, and Vicki Velasquez of the Girl Scouts is offering a program at Del Puerto High School. This program deals with pregnant and parenting teens.

"I bring them an awareness of what happens after high school," Velasquez said. She offers advice about things from setting up savings accounts to healthy relations.

CAN RELATE TO GIRLS

Self-dependence is her motto, and she stresses that the young mothers need to be able to stand on their own. At 25, Velasquez is young herself, and thinks that her age makes her more able to relate to the girls, and makes them feel more comfortable in opening up to her.

"I'm a distraction to them," she said. She is planning a field trip for the 4-10 girls she works with, without their kids. "They're still kids themselves," she said, "so I want to let them be kids, too."

The program started in February and ends when school gets out, but Velasquez said that it is planned for next year as well.

Note: This article will be continued in subsequent issues of the Patterson Irrigator. The Community of Caring and the Center for Human Services programs will be discussed.

Reprinted by permission of The Patterson Irrigator.