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Wednesday, May. 20, 2009

Perry council discusses grant for educating young mothers

PERRY — The Perry City Council is supporting an effort to improve parenting skills among teenage parents ages 14 to 19. The governing body voted to back an effort to seek a $325,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Children and Families.

The city would act as a fiscal agent as well as supervise and support a coordinator and direct service activities for the grant. During the second year, the grantees would receive 25 percent less and 50 percent less the third year. Funding from other community sources is expected to make up the shortfall.

Tian Foss, prevention programs director with Rainbow House Children’s Resource Center, presented information indicating that 10 percent of births in Houston County are to mothers ages 14 to 19. Within that number, 19 percent have a second child within the age range.

“We do have an issue here,” Foss said, adding that often these teenagers lack general education and education on child development as well as lack of access to services. This, she said, leads to child abuse and neglect

The three-year grant would provide parenting education to teen mothers and fathers in the home, school and Perry Family Learning Center. Teenage mothers would also receive education on prenatal care. The grant money would also be used to provide mentors to teen fathers and also provide support to encourage positive relationships with the mother and child.

“What’s going to make Perry unique is we’re going in for the fatherhood piece,” Traci Williams, director of the Perry Family Learning Center, said.

The City Council listened to the information and appeared receptive.

“I think it’s worthwhile to go for it,” City Councilman Joe Kusar said.

To contact writer Natasha Smith, call 923-3109, extension 236.