DRAFT

TASK FORCE ON FAMILIES

MAY 5, 1997

12 NOON

PRESENT: Co-Chairs Lois Bronz, Paul Noto Members: Amy Paulin,

Secretary: Lynne Creighton

OTHERS: Commissioner Harold Adel, Dr. Jean Hudson, Dept. of Health

The meeting was called to order at 12:15p by Mr. Noto.

There was some discussion concerning the Task Force’s year-end report on

child support collection pertaining to editing and the release date.

After the Task Force finished their discussion on the report, Dr. Hudson

gave an presentation regarding teenage pregnancy.

Dr. Hudson said that one-half of teen pregnancies result in teen births.

Teens are thinking twice about sexual activity due to AIDS, and condoms

are being used more.

By the 12th grade 72% of teens have started sexual intercourse.

On a national level, teens need to know that all pregnancies should be

wanted and planned for. Many teens don’t see pregnancy interfering

with their lives or goals and don’t have important life goals.

Some teens want to get pregnant to be loved and popular, and to get

attention.

Movies and TV, especially soap operas, make sex seem normal.

There is little publicity given to teens having sex while drunk or on drugs.

Many teens don’t think they will get pregnant and are in denial until

termination is not an option

DRAFT

TASK FORCE ON FAMILIES

MAY 5, 1997

PAGE TWO

Mrs. Hudson said there are two programs to assist pregnant teens:

Teen Linkage

A traditional case management program which identifies teens that are

pregnant to assist with prenatal care, get to high school or obtain a GED.

This program also gives parents some skills on how to talk to kids about

sex and substance abuse.

Teen Care

The staff is trained to spend more time with the teenagers. The teens come

in with a guardian to get a full medical history and fill out a questionnaire.

The average age is 11 - 19 years old. This program has offices in New Rochelle

and Port Chester.

There was a discussion regarding AIDS and teenagers and Mr. Noto stated

that there was an increase in teens with AIDS. Dr. Adel remarked that the

problem needed to be addressed more vigorously. Mrs. Paulin noted that

AIDS education should be a part of curriculum in schools and that not all

schools are complying.

After more discussion on AIDS and other teen-related issues, the meeting was

adjourned at 12:55 pm.