Some 80 percent of teen mothers are unable to return to school after their babies are born, according to the New Jersey Chapter of the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse. The mentors, many of whom were teen mothers themselves, meet with students regularly to encourage them to stay in school and to help with personal problems. Mary Rowson, Community Program Specialist, Department of Family Medicine, says that many of the teen mothers have self-esteem problems. The first thing I teach them is how to love themselves. The teen mothers also learn about parenting issues.
Students meet regularly to learn about how to take care of themselves and their babies.
Between the two schools, there are 31 students in the program. Out of 19 high school seniors this year, only one dropped out. The others have graduated and are going on to college, the armed forces, work, or training programs. Many of the teenage mothers now advocate abstinence as a way to prevent future pregnancies. The Center also matches the teens with their mentors -professional women who meet with them regularly.