Social & Human Services

Question 1

What are Social Services?

Answer 1

• Social services involve a broad range of activities.
• They aim to promote social well-being and address the needs of disadvantaged individuals or groups.
• This field includes both organized philanthropic assistance and professional services.
• The focus is on supporting vulnerable populations and fostering social welfare.

Question 2

Social Issues of Teen Pregnancy

Answer 2

• Teen pregnancy is a complex and significant social issue.
• It has far-reaching implications for individuals, families, and communities.
• Teen pregnancy poses challenges related to health, education, economic stability, and social welfare.
• Understanding contributing factors and consequences is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and supporting young parents.

Question 3

Scope of Teenage Pregnancy

Answer 3

• Teen pregnancy has profound and multifaceted ramifications.
• Babies born to teen mothers often face health challenges such as low birth weight and elevated mortality rates.
• Teen mothers themselves experience high rates of school dropout and poverty, often relying on public assistance.
• Teen mothers exhibit lower levels of marital stability and employment security compared to their peers who postpone childbearing.
• The intergenerational impact of teen pregnancy is notable, with children of teen parents being more likely to face incarceration and repeat the cycle of teen pregnancy.
• Inconsistent and ineffective use of contraception contributes significantly to the nation’s elevated birth rate among teenagers.
• Teen fathers also experience challenges, including strained relationships and reduced educational and economic opportunities.

Question 4

Causes of Teenage Pregnancy

Answer 4

• The causes of teen pregnancy are influenced by contextual factors rather than individual characteristics.
• Community psychologists emphasize considering factors such as poverty, alienation from society, media and peer pressure, lack of social support, and insufficient social capital.
• Poverty, especially prevalent among minorities, significantly contributes to higher rates of teen pregnancy in certain demographics.
• Ecological reasons for teen pregnancy include limited life options, exposure to media and peer pressure, and lack of support systems, affecting adolescents regardless of their socioeconomic status.
• Social capital, defined by trust and supportive interactions within families and communities, emerges as a protective factor against teen pregnancy.

Question 5

Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy

Primary Prevention

Answer 5

• Primary prevention for teen pregnancy focuses on comprehensive programs addressing broader social influences rather than solely promoting abstinence until marriage.
• Effective strategies include comprehensive sexuality education covering sexual development, reproductive health, contraception, relationships, emotions, body image, and gender roles.
• These programs should offer contraception information while considering contextual factors influencing teenagers’ decisions about sex and contraception.
• Primary prevention programs should include academic support, job opportunities, family life and sexuality education, arts and sports for self-expression, mental health services, and parent training.
• Cultural sensitivity is vital in program design, as cultural values impact attitudes towards contraception.
• Tailoring programs to diverse ethnic and racial groups is essential for effective teen pregnancy prevention.
• An example is Escuelitas which is a program for at-risk Mexican American girls to prevent teen pregnancy, delinquency, and school dropout.

Question 6

Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy

Secondary Prevention

Answer 6

• Secondary prevention efforts for teen pregnancy focus on supporting already pregnant teens to continue their education, acquire good parenting skills, and prevent further pregnancies.
• Programs like The Second Chance Club provide comprehensive support within schools, utilizing peer support and education.
• They offer information on career issues, teach parenting skills, and provide healthcare for both the teen mother and her child.
• Research shows that participation in programs like The Second Chance Club leads to fewer subsequent pregnancies.
• These programs help pregnant teens avoid further pregnancies while continuing education, empowering them for long-term success.