Teenage Pregnancy Research Report - 3p Consulting

high levels persist in Tasmania, particularly in areas that already have a greater proportion the population that are already at risk. Background research indicates that most interventions to date have focused on sex education and contraception information to young people. This proposal seeks to more fully understand the psychosocial reasons behind teenage pregnancy rates, identified as gaps in understanding and to coordinate effective responses.The “Making Choices” report identified gaps in current understanding and recommended that more research be undertaken in a number of areas. We intend to narrow our focus to two aspects: • The gap between knowledge of contraception, pregnancy prevention and behaviour in practice and the experiences, perceptions and expectations of particularly high risk groups • The decision making process once pregnancy has occurred and the factors that influence pregnancy outcomes PROJECT SCOPE The proposed project includes 1. Literature/desk top review of current programs and interventions aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy rates 2. Undertaking quantitative and qualitative research with adolescent mothers and fathers, particularly in the 14-­‐19 year age group who are in contact with key service providers in the north, such as the Pregnant and Young Parent Support, CU@Home, Headspace, family planning and high school and college education. It is proposed that part of the research component will comprise in-­‐ depth interviews with 20 -­‐25 young parents including young fathers and those from CALD backgrounds. Participants might also include those who are now older than 19 years but who had their first child under the age of 19 years. Further tools to reach a wider cohort will involve surveys, face book and focus groups. 3. Presentation of findings and recommendations for action to a northern forum that will be convened by the Northern Early Years Group (proposed to be held in August 2012). The purpose of the forum is: • To provide up to date and current information including results of research undertaken, government initiatives and policy directions and all program activities undertaken • To map a coordinated strategy with the aim of effectively addressing the high teenage pregnancy rates in the north 2 | P age 143