Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #98931

Karen M. Perrin, PhD, MPH, RN, Dept. of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC-56, Tampa, FL 33612, 813 974 6704, kperrin@hsc.usf.edu and Mary Ellen Gillette, MEd, Retired, 12213 North Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL 33610.

Background: The Healthy Start Coalition recognized that parenting teens do not return to school after the birth of their child due to lack of access to the Florida subsidized daycare vouchers. State regulations require the completion two parenting courses to qualify for vouchers, but courses were offered at only two local high schools which posed a transportation barrier. Purpose: Assist teen parents in completing their high school education; obtain safe child care; and instill valuable parenting skills. Methods: Several community organizations partnered with local high schools, daycare centers and USF College of Public Health to design and implement the online parenting curriculum. Results: Data show a steady increase in the number of: a) high schools participating in the program, b) student enrollment each year and c) graduation rates. As of May 2004, 17 out of 21 high schools participate; over 100 students are or have been enrolled in the program with approximately 50% graduating on time. The remaining 50% are not seniors thus ineligible for graduation. Annual interviews with students reveal interesting qualitative data about their complex lives and coping strategies for success. Conclusion: The Internet Parenting Program demonstrates the success of community partners who work for together for a common goal. In Hillsborough County, parenting teens have the opportunity to graduate from high school rather than dropping out due to lack of daycare services.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Participants will be able to describe in a step-by-step format how the Internet Parenting Program was implemented.
• 2. Participants will be able to identify the barriers that were overcome to make the Internet Parenting Program a success.
• 3. Participants will be able to describe how the Internet Parenting Program could be replicated in their community.

Keywords: Teen Pregnancy, School-Based Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF if the Internet Parenting Program curriculum were to be sold to another school district the community partners would benefit from the profits due to the fact that most of the work has been done by volunteers..