Teens Link Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Project Of Broome County
The Teens Link Project, formally known as the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services (APPS) Project is a collaborative initiative through which area health, human service providers, educators, advocates for youth, consumers and youth themselves identify and address issues related to adolescent pregnancy. The primary goals of the project are to reduce the incidence and adverse effects of initial and subsequent teen pregnancy and prepare youth for independence and personal success. Through this project services such as counseling, case management, and educational programs are provided. The Teens Link Project is funded by New York State Office of Family and Children.
The Teens Link Project utilizes the following strategies:
- Group education to advance awareness of healthy relationships, knowledge of pregnancy prevention options/methods and lifestyles (peer education and life skills programs).
- Group education programs to increase youth competency, advancement of independency and self-sufficiency for teens as they grow into young adults (life skills, school based and summer programs).
- Individual counseling services to help youth address, manage and/or overcome difficult, stressful or emergent life situations (counseling and case management services).
- Individual case management services to help youth identify and implement plans of action to establish and achieve self-determined (or assistive) goal setting (counseling and case management services).
- Group empowerment programs to help teens establish personal goals and reduce risk-taking behavior (school and summer programs, pregnant & parenting programs).
- Monitoring the health status of pregnant adolescents and promoting optimal prenatal care and healthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy.
- Community outreach and awareness to promote Teens Link (and other available) services for youth in Broome and Delaware counties.
Community Coalition
The purpose of this group is to afford an opportunity for representatives from the community to participate in formulating, implementing, and evaluating the TEENS Link Project. This group shall further address issues and service needs of adolescents in Broome County.
Life Skills Program
Part of the Teens Link Project, Life Skills is a series of education modules designed to assist teens with informed decision-making regarding critical life choices and self sufficiency. Targeted to teens aged 10-21 years, these modules can be provided, free of charge, to youth within community groups, schools, youth agencies, churches, and alternative schools.
Module topics include:
- Food Rules
- Health Matters
- Learning Changes
- Money Talks
- Legal Jams
- Getting Ready For The Job World
- Apartment Hunt
- Exploring Healthy Relationships
- Dating For Real
Each module varies in length, ranging from three to eight session programs depending upon content and time available (school class sessions (45 minutes) or longer period programs if the setting is appropriate).
Each module has a pre and post survey assessment to determine knowledge gained and program effectiveness. Modules may be provided individually or as part of the entire series. However, due to NYS-required evaluation of all Teens Link services, each module must be provided in entirety. (Our staff can work with you to ensure any module agenda can be arranged to fit a class period or group's available time.)
For more information or to schedule Life Skills for your youth group please email Alicia Beekman or call 607- 772--0517 extension 38.
Summer Youth Opportunity Program
Part of the Teens Link Project, the Summer Youth Opportunity Program will provide teens the opportunity to explore personal health and wellness, the consequences of poor decision-making, and the opportunities available for future relationships, personal education and/or career options.
Case Management And Counseling Services
Part of the Teens Link Project, general case management and counseling services for teens with personal issues is available free of charge at Family & Children's Society. These services are designed to assist teens with the challenges life often presents, increasing self-worth, accessing various community services and help with positive decision making. In addition teens can be referred to services throughout the community to assist them with a wide range of needs and issues.
School Based Programs
Part of the Teens Link Project, interested Broome County school districts are invited to establish school-based programs to engage middle and/or high school students in educational, motivational, or otherwise engaging activities to reduce risky behaviors that may result in (unprotected) sexual activity. The TEENS Link Project offers grants up to $3000 to pay for costs related to the programs. These programs include:
- Primary prevention education
- Incorporation of some Life Skills modules
- Presentations from various local programs
- A tour of the NICU at UHS Hospital
- Some community service