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University of Utah
395 S. 1500 E., RM 111
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
(801) 581-4857 (Phone)
(801) 585-6865 (Fax)

The University of Utah has expertise in family-based programming, substance abuse prevention, case management, HIV prevention, intimate partner violence, opportunities for higher education and overall coordination of fiscal and programmatic services. Dr. Rose Alvarado, project director, has directed and supervised numerous substance and delinquency prevention programs in the Latino community in Salt Lake City for the past 20 years.

Hispanic Teen Moms and "La Familia"
$300,000
Rosemary Alvarado
(801) 581-4857
Rosemary.Alvarado@socwk.utah.edu

Abstract

The Hispanic Teen Moms and "La Familia" project offers teen Latina mothers enrolled in an alternative high school the tools they need to take a path in life that helps them achieve their goals. The project is designed to address the myriad of factors that face an extremely high-risk population of female Hispanic parents. This project views teen mothers as at a crossroad where choices and personal responsibility for their future is foremost. If they do not choose responsibility, they find themselves and their young child at the highest risk possible for extreme poverty and an extremely unhealthy lifestyle. University of Utah utilizes a highly innovative, intensive family-based approach designed to empower these young women at high risk of unhealthy life styles, to achieve their full potential by building resilience, leadership skills and a positive orientation to their personal academic success. Specifically, 30 young female Hispanic parents (ages 14-16) will learn to embrace healthy choices, avoid alcohol and substances, prevent HIV and STDs, future unintended pregnancies and intimate partner violence. The project offers academic support services, career counseling, case management, nutrition education, recreation activities, extracurricular classes, peer leadership, mentoring and extensive interaction with U of U and community college programs and activities, all of which contribute to the young parent's familiarity and interest in a career, future health and success. Specific objectives include academic enrichment, cultural enrichment, life skills, career development, personal development, wellness and injury and disease prevention. Performance measures include tracking of grades and progress toward high school graduation, increased participation in recreational and community activities and increased knowledge of intimate partner violence. The program will be evaluated through qualitative and quantitative measures including needs assessments, discussion groups, pre/post test, one-on-one interviews, focus groups, satisfaction surveys and other methods.

OMH objective(s) toward which the project's results most contribute:

• Improved access to, and appropriate utilization of, health & other community-based services and systems through user-centered design for racial/ethnic minorities (e.g., health IT, culturally/ linguistically appropriate services, service provider education/ training, workforce diversity)