The networking approach to providing needed services to pregnant and parenting teenagers has numerous merits. An historical overview of the formation of the Brooklyn Teen Pregnancy Network highlights service agency need for information and resource sharing, and improved client referral systems as key factors in the genesis of the Network. The borough-wide approach and its spread as an agency model throughout New York City's other boroughs and several other northeastern cities is also attributed to its positive client impact, including: improved family communication and cooperation; early prenatal care with its concomitant improved pregnancy outcomes; financial support for teens; continued teen education; and parenting skills development. Resource information is provided regarding networks operating in the Greater New York metropolitan area. A planned Eastern Regional network initiative is under development.
PIP: In 1981, there were over 33,000 teenage pregnancies in New York City, with Brooklyn having the highest rate of all 5 boroughs. To address the multiple needs of pregnant and parenting adolescents, approximately 15 social service agencies in Brooklyn developed an interdisciplinary approach. The issue of children having children affects 1) the educational system, 2) the health care system, and 3) the day care system. In addition, most major cities need to provide public assistance to these young parents and their dependent children. Thus, the Brooklyn Teen Pregnancy Network (BTPN) was formed. The 2 primary goals of the Network are 1) to increase communication among agencies which service pregnant, parenting, and at-risk adolescents; and 2) to encourage service use for this population. To increase communication, BTPN staff plans general meetings for member agencies every 6 weeks. BTPN and the New York Board of Education developed an outreach program, Teen Agency Connection (TAC). TAC's staff visits public schools to educate teens on what services are available to them, how to use them, and what to expect from service providers. The New York City Human Resources Administration/BTPN joint project aims to improve the Department's delivery of services to teen parents receiving public assistance. In 1983, the BTPN supported the development of similar networks in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. There are also similar networks in New Jersey and Massachusetts. The network approach provides a comprehensive approach to managing teen pregnancy and parenting issues. Lack of a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to teen pregnancy often results in 1) increased communication problems for the teen and her family, 2) delayed or no prenatal care, 3) longterm dependency on public assistance, 4) failure to complete formal education, 5) homelessness, 6) child abuse, and 7) disproportionately high infant mortality. For those helping pregnant teens, the family must be the focus and interagency coordination must be the approach.