September 2001
Volume 4, Issue 3
A
paternity
education
Violence in Teen Dating
project of:
University
of Minnesota
Extension Service,
and
Minnesota
Department of
Human Services
Child Support
Enforcement Division
DADS MAKE A
DIFFERENCE STAFF:
Gary Greenfield
Program Coordinator
651-704-2060
Joan Sigmundik
Program Secretary
651-704-2061
Jan Hayne
Program Associate
651-704-2062
Dimitris Kelly
Program Assistant
651-704-2063
FAX 651-704-2081
The 1998 MN Student Survey of more
than 80,000 9th and 12th grade teens
reports one in 10 girls and nearly one in
20 boys reported being raped or otherwise physically abused on dates. A similar study in Massachusetts revealed 1 in
5 high school girls was physically or
sexually abused by a dating partner, significantly increasing their risk of drug
abuse, suicide, and other harmful behavior.
Minnesota Teens Sexuality, Pregnancy,
and STD’s
By Kathy Brothen, reprinted in part with permission
from Minnesota Physician, July 2001
Today’s youth are besieged by sexual
images and messages. They listen to
Eminem, Britney Spears, ‘N Sync, and
Destiny’s Child. They watch Dawson’s
According to estimates from the U.S.
Creek, Moesha, Undressed and MTV.
Centers for Disease Control and PrevenThey decorate themselves with body
tion, 22 percent of high school students
piercings, tattoos and glitter, dance the
are victims of nonsexual datbooty and the cha cha slide,
ing violence, with girls slightly
and dress in leather, halter
more likely to report being victops, and Tommy jeans. In
tims.
the twenty-first century, life is
fast, seductive, and changing
With about 6 percent of boys
and all images in the world
and girls reporting some type
seem electronically accessiof date-related violence in MN
ble to teens.
TIME TO REGISTER
by 9th grade, the study shows
For the November
the need for prevention efforts
Teen Training
In earlier generations, young
See
Pages
2
&
5
beginning before high school.
people grew up in smaller
Parents, educators, and peer
communities with shared valleaders
must
teach youth about more
ues and spent much of their time in the
appropriate and safer dating interactions.
presence of adults, who modeled and
The problem of date violence is nationdefined social and economic roles. The
wide and early intervention is critical to
world is much different for adolescents
reduce incidents and their consequences.
today. Parents work longer and harder
to maintain the family’s economic stabilProfessionals working with teens need to
ity. Divorce is more common and this
ask the right questions about dating exmeans teens have less time with their
periences and peer-to-peer violence, and
parents and other caring adults. The
encourage discussion of appropriate dattransition time from childhood to adulting behavior and how teens should re(Continued on page 3)
spond in such situations.
Dads Make a Difference Mission: To promote the positive involvement
of fathers and to educate youth about responsible parenting.
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REGISTER NOW for
the Fall Teen Training
A new school year has started and it’s
time to start thinking about the fall teen
training. This large training will again be
held in the metro area. The range of diversity will add incredible richness to your
experience. Request your registration
forms now! Call us or see page 5.
NEW COST for the 2-day teen training:
$50 per participant - teen or adult bringing teens
$85 per participant - adults attending without teens or
out of state teens and adults
LIMITED sliding fee or scholarships are available. Please inquire.
Dads Make a Difference remains committed
to continuing to provide a high-quality teen
training experience for schools and agencies
statewide. We are also committed to promoting the principles of positive youth development in everything we do!
National Peer Helper Day
Wednesday, October 24, 2001
People helping other people. Peer
helpers provide opportunities for
learning, guidance, emotional
support, and growth which
translates to less risky behavior,
higher academic skills, reduced
conflict, and increased
understanding of differences.
TRAININGS are for 10th - 12th grade male
and female teens accompanied by at least
one adult advisor. An equal number of
males and females is preferred.
FALL TRAINING
Sunday - Monday,
November 11-12, 2001
St. Paul, Sheraton Midway
Maximum 150 teens
Registration Deadline October 26th
?? SPRING TRAINING ??
The Fall Training remains the only large
DMAD teen training scheduled for this
school year. DMAD continues to actively
pursue additional grant funding. We have
three proposals submitted and are awaiting funding decisions. DMAD will conduct a spring training at whatever capacity is possible based on funding
received. We apologize to those of you
who regularly train teens in the spring, but
urge you to consider the Fall training.
SUBMISSION
DETAILS . . .
Send all articles
DADS MAKE A DIFFERENCE is a positive
youth development,
paternity education
project in which older
teens, male and female,
teach younger youth (grades 6-9) about
the importance of fathers in children’s
lives; the legal, emotional and financial
responsibilities of parenting; and why they
should wait to have a baby until they are
financially and emotionally ready.
FEE INCLUDES training led by experienced
adult and teen trainers, four meals, one
nights lodging, a copy of the DMAD
curriculum, and a T-shirt with the DMAD
logo. Travel is not included.
NEWSLETTER
Take some time to honor the
DMAD teen teachers at your site
for the outstanding work they do.
October is LET’S TALK MONTH
Winter … Spring … Summer … Fall …
Talk with children and teens about sex.
October is Let’s Talk Month, a nationally
recognized time to encourage and support
parents and caring adults in discussing
sexuality with children and teens.
MOAPPP partnered with over 25 organizations to develop the Let’s Talk Month
Toolkit and Planning Guide. The Toolkit
includes Thriving with Your Teen, a collection of resources, and Ten Tips for Raising
a Sexually Healthy Child. The Planning
Guide outlines a list of ideas for celebrating
Let’s Talk Month in your school, workplace,
clinic, or place of worship. The ideas are
fun and easy to implement! To receive
your Toolkit and Guide, call MOAPPP at
651-644-1447 or 1-800-657-3697.
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and photos to
the Editor:
Jan Hayne
University of MN
Extension Service
2020 White Bear Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55109
. . . AND
DEADLINES
The January
issue is being
discontinued to
due to budget
constraints.
May Issue
Deadline:
April 15th
September
Issue Deadline:
August 15th
Reducing Risk
Michael Resnick, Ph.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Research Center at the
University of Minnesota, summarized the evidence that
adolescent sexual risk taking and pregnancy can be reduced by
providing all youth with the following services:
MN Teens - Sexuality ...
(Continued from page 1)
hood has expanded to a decade or more,
while aspects of adult life, such as daily responsibility for self or serious dating relationships, are introduced at earlier and earlier
ages. Media and technology play a significant role in the lives of teens, influencing
their concept of self, personal values, social
norms, expectations for the future, and relationships with others.
their partner used a condom at last intercourse (this question was not asked in
1995). The percent of sexually active
12th-graders who communicate with their
partner about protecting themselves from
STDs has increased over time. Between
1992 and 1998, communication with
partners increased among 12th grade
females from 50% to 66% and among
12th grade males 39% to 54%.
The health concerns of adolescents also
have changed dramatically. Historically, infectious diseases accounted for a disproportionate share of illness and death among
youth. Now social, environmental and behavioral factors have become major contributors to health outcomes. Sexuality has become a complex area of adolescent behavioral health.
The Outcomes of Adolescent Sexual
Behavior
In Minnesota, each day, 22 young
women between the ages of 15 and 19
become pregnant; each year more than
5,500 teen-age women give birth; and
every year almost 4,000 teens contract a
reportable STD. In 1999, teens aged 1519 accounted for 38% of all chlamydia
cases and 32% of all gonorrhea cases in
Minnesota. In 2000, 7% of the newly
reported cases of HIV disease were
among young people under 20, double
from the previous year.
Trends in Adolescent Sexual Behavior
The past 20 years have been a time of significant change in adolescent sexual activity
and its outcomes. Teens initiate sexual activity at a younger age, though teen pregnancy rates have declined from a peak in
1991 as a result of increased abstinence
from sexual activity and increased contraceptive use by those who are sexually active.
Sexually transmitted infection rates for young
people are high.
Statistics reveal a disturbing outcome of
adolescent sexual behavior regarding
teen pregnancy and birth rates in Minnesota. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National
Center for Health Statistics in 1998, Minnesota ranked fifth lowest in the United
States in teen birth rates (ages 15-19),
but second highest in birth rates for Hispanic and African American youth. The
Minnesota Department of Health reports
pregnancy rates and birth rates among
youth of color are as much as four to five
times higher than white teens for the past
decade for ages 15 to 19 years.
The Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), administered every three years since 1989 to
students in grades 6, 9, and 12, asks them
about behaviors that put young people at
risk: alcohol and tobacco use, other drug
abuse, violence and sexual activity. Trends
in adolescent sexual behavior include a
steady decline from 1989 to 1998 in the percentage of Minnesota students who report
having had sexual intercourse. In 9th grade
the percentage for females dropped from
24% to 20% and for males 37% to 28%. In
12th grade the percentage for females
dropped from 61% to 51% and for males
65% to 49%.
Becoming a sexually healthy adult is a
key developmental task of adolescence.
For teens to achieve sexual health, they
require medically accurate information
and education about sexuality, practice
Condom use has remained stable. In both
1992 and 1998, more than half of sexually
active students reported that either they or
(Continued on page 6)
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1. School or
community-based
sexuality education
programs that are
comprehensive,
theory-based,
rigorously evaluated,
and focused on the
development.
2. Health clinic
programs that
improve access to
counseling and
contraception.
3. Service-learning
programs that focus
on community
service and
opportunities to
process that
experience with
teachers and
mentors.
4. Programs that
enhance both a
sense of connection
to school and
academic
performance and
aspiration.
DADS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Stay warm this winter and
promote the message that
Dads Make a Difference!
FALL SWEATSHIRT SALE
Get yours for only $18.00 plus shipping
To order, fill out this form and mail to:
DADS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
University of Minnesota Extension Service
2020 White Bear Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55109
Quantity
Sweatshirt with Logo
Medium
Large
X-Large
XX-Large
Unit Cost
$ 18.00
Total
$
$
$
$
Sub Total
$
Shipping & Handling
$4.00 for orders $10.00 - $25.00
$5.50 for orders $25.01 - $49.00
$6.50 for orders $49.01- $99.99
7% for orders over $100.00
Add Shipping Amount
$
Total Order Amount Enclosed
$
For questions about
sweatshirt orders, call
Joan Sigmundik at
651-704-2061
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Name
Address
City/State/ZIP
Phone
(
)
An Update to the Anna Westin Story from the May 2000 DMAD Newsletter
(Editor’s Note: Anna Westin was trained in March 1995 with Chaska High School to be a Dads Make a Difference teen teacher,
and was also a DMAD trainer.)
Eighteen months ago Anna Westin died from anorexia, a serious eating disorder that effects over 9 million Americans. After Anna's death, her family pledged to do everything they could to fight eating disorders and started the
Anna Westin Foundation. Since then they’ve spent a great deal of time promoting awareness of eating disorders
and advocating on behalf of people who suffer from eating disorders, their families, and professionals.
The Westin's were part of a lawsuit that MN Attorney General Mike Hatch filed against Blue Cross
and Blue Shield of MN for denying, delaying and withholding eating disorder, mental health, and
chemical dependency treatment to MN children and young adults. The suit was settled in June
2001. The agreement will make treatment more available to people suffering from those illnesses.
In a separate settlement, the Westin's were awarded 1 million dollars from Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of MN, which they have donated to the Anna Westin Foundation. The money will be used to
start the only residential treatment program in MN for people with eating disorders.
For more information on the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, contact:
The Anna Westin Foundation
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders,
250 Prairie Center Drive
847-831-3438, www.anad.org
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
American Anorexic / Bulimic Association, 212-575-6200, www.aabainc.org
952-946-1131
[email protected]
University of MN Extension Service Eating Disorders Resource Directory
www.annawestinfoundation.org
www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/nutrition/DJ7043.html
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Return either form to: DMAD * University of MN Extension Service * 2020 White Bear Ave. * St. Paul, MN 55109
The R Factor TRAINING: 1-day for TEACHER / ADULT
$175 curriculum and training
The R Factor CURRICULUM PURCHASE: $99 curriculum only, additional $100 for training later
I am interested in attending a TRAINING: (All Training dates will be 8:30 am. to 3:00 p.m.)
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
I would like to PURCHASE The R Factor curriculum only for $99.
Print Name:
Email:
School / Agency:
Address (home if summer):
City / State / zip code:
Phone with area code:
Fax:
REGISTRATION: Dads Make a Difference 2-day TEEN Training
Cost: $50 per participant - teen or adult(s) bringing teens
$85 per participant - adults attending w/o teens OR out-of-state teens & adults
Please send me registration packets for:
For the teen training:
# Teens
# Adults
NOV. METRO, Sunday - Monday, November 11-12, 2001, St. Paul, Sheraton Midway
* Registration Deadline October 26
Print Name:
Email:
School / Agency:
Address:
City / State / zip code:
Phone with area code:
Fax:
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Dads Make a Difference
University of Minnesota Extension Service
2020 White Bear Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55109
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
MPLS., MN
PERMIT NO. 155
Return Service Requested
MN Teens - Sexuality ...
(Continued from page 3)
using responsible decision-making skills, support and guidance
from parents and other significant adults, and affordable, sensitive
and confidential reproductive health care services. Parents are
clearly the primary sex educators of their children. Family, peers,
schools, community organizations, faith communities, health care
systems, media, governmental agencies, and social norms, policies and laws also have a significant role to play.
These entities impact young peoples’ sense of health and well-being by affecting their capacity to manage life’s
stressors, their ability to develop in appropriate ways and their decisions about sexually
healthy behaviors.
Reducing Risk
No single, simple approach reduces risky sexual behavior or teen pregnancy. Many strategies and many significant adults in kids’ lives will contribute to reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors. Adolescents deserve to have respect, rights and responsibility
when it comes to their sexual health. All adults are sexual role models and as such have a
responsibility to help adolescents become sexually healthy adults.
Kathy Brothen, M.A., is an Education Specialist with Coordinated School Health at the
Congrats on
Awards Received
MOAPPP Member of the Year - Kay Guenther, teacher with the New Beginnings
Program at Carver-Scott Educational Cooperative in Chaska, received a Member of
the Year Award at MOAPPP’s annual conference in May. Kay developed a teen parent program in 1980, creating a collaborative support system to encourage academic gains, parenting skills, and
healthy children. Her personal passion is for students to make informed decisions, preparing them for a healthy
birth and positive future. Kay regularly involves her students in the Dads Make a Difference teen training and
teaching experience. Congratulations from all of us at DMAD!
Outstanding Civil Service Award - Jan Hayne, DMAD Community Program Associate and Metro Training Coordinator, received the Outstanding Civil Service Award from the University of Minnesota Extension Service in May
for her work with the Dads Make a Difference program. Jan supports teens through schools and community agencies in the Twin Cities metro area.
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