Minister hails programme's help for teenage parents

Nearly 1,400 at-risk teenage parents were helped by a Government support programme in the past five years, it emerged today.

Projects run by the Teen Parents Support Programme (TPSP) provides services to couples aged under 19 years until their child reaches 24 months.

The first report of the TPSP said that in the 2000-2005 period, 1,395 parents and their children were provided with assistance by the programme.

Launching the report, Minister for Children Brian Lenihan said the TPSP underlines the importance of preventative support services for vulnerable families.

“It demonstrates the huge benefit that interventions which support young parents in their parenting role and in achieving other life goals such as in their education and training have not only on parents but in the well-being of their children as well,” he explained.

The TPSP now runs five fully-developed projects and a further three initiatives in Carlow, Cork and Donegal are being finalised.

Projects get funding from the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, the HSE and the Department of Education and Science and enjoys the co-operation of maternity hospitals, the Treoir unmarried parents group and various voluntary and community groups.

Support is provided to parents on a one-to-one basis, through group activities or referral to other agencies.

One-to-one support is delivered through home visits, office appointments, ‘drop in’ facilities and meetings away from the TPSP offices.

Mr Lenihan said TPSP staff try to enhance the self-esteem of young parents, build on their existing skills, experience and knowledge and encourage them to meet their own needs and maintain their own social and support networks.

Individual support plans are drawn up for each couple and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Mr Lenihan added: “As parents, we all know the concerns people have as they anticipate the birth of a child, particularly around their adequacy in carrying out the role of parents.

“This prospect for young mothers and fathers in their teenage years must be so much more daunting.”

Mr Lenihan reiterated that, as Minster for Children, he now attends all Cabinet meetings and can place children and their concerns at the heart of Government.

“This Government is committed to improving the lives of all children in Ireland. My office will focus on harmonising policy issues that affect children. This will truly provide a joined-up Government approach to the delivery of services for children.”