Family First Program: Encouraging and empowering expecting and parenting teens to take charge of their future one baby at a time

In the United States, 1 in 5 births to teens between the ages of 15-19 are repeat-pregnancies, with ethnic minority youth being 1.5 times more likely to have repeat pregnancies compared to Caucasian teens, and Native American teens having the highest repeat teen pregnancy rates overall. To determine how to best address this issue we conducted a needs and assets assessment (NAA). Key informant interviews (KIIs; n=13) using theory-based semi structured outlines and theoretical sampling strategy were conducted with providers, parents of parenting teens, and expecting and parenting teens to allow for triangulation. KIIs were audio-recorded, transcribed, themed and followed up with validation focus groups (FGs; n=3)  with teen parents and  providers. Emerging themes were 1.) the need for sustainable mentorship programs for both male and female expecting and parenting teens, 2.) the need for providing and offering parenting and life skills classes, 3.) providing at school daycares for teen parents, 4.) teaching teen pregnancy or teen parenting curricula that contain an added focus on healthy relationships, intimacy, empowerment and improving self-esteem. A special noted need was to infuse principals of Native American strength and culture into the programs. Pilot interventions to pregnant and parenting youth, teen birth fathers, and case management in or out of school settings is being developed and evaluated.  NAA and pilot process and outcome data of our subsequent program approach will be shared to build on Native American strengths to support the pregnant and parenting teens in Riverside & San Bernardino County area