How to Start a Support Group for Pregnant Teens

Support groups help pregnant teens get through difficult times

Pregnant teens need encouragement and compassion from their community, particularly if their parents have decided to withdraw support from them. When holding support groups, be a good listener and do not immediately offer solutions to their problems because the teens may just want to express their concerns about the situation. Also, have resources on hand such as brochures from local adoption agencies, government social-service agencies and mental-health centers.

Instructions

1. Make your community aware of the new support group. Create flyers that state the purpose of your group, when and where your group will meet, and information on how potential groups can contact you. Hold interviews on local radio and public-access TV stations and discuss why you started the group.

2. Establish partnerships with local community leaders and business owners. If you're interested in having guest speakers come to the meetings once a month to discuss important matters -- such as career development, building healthy relationships, money management and getting along with the children's fathers -- contact organizations and ask if they would like to partner with you to speak with the teens.

3. Ask your group members for suggestions. For example, if some of the teens feel that they need to receive more assistance in receiving child care while they work or attend school, consider including babysitting as part of the services you offer in addition to the meetings.

References

• Department of Health and Human Services: HHS Awards $27 Million for the Support of Pregnant and Parenting Teens and Women
• Gaston Gazette: Homeless Shelter for Pregnant Teens Opening