Professional Training Series

Almost 1 in 3 teen girls 15 – 19 who have had sexual intercourse have been pregnant(1), and 31% of teenage girls get pregnant at least once before they reach age 20(2).  Almost 80% of all teen pregnancies are unintentional(3).

When a pregnant teen comes to you for support, how do you ensure that your agency effectively supports her (and her partner and family) in all of her pregnancy options?  Are you providing the most up-to-date and accurate information about parenting, adoption, and abortion in an equal, unbiased manner?

In this workshop, participants will:

• Learn the most up to date facts about teen parenting, open adoption, and abortion care services;
• Explore personal, social, and cultural biases and stereotypes about adolescent pregnancy and pregnancy options;
• Practice talking with teens about the various options available to them;
• Develop skills to support young women, their partners, and their families during their decision-making process;
• Receive tools, resources, and activities that will enhance your agency’s capacity to serve teens in their pregnancy options decisions.

Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for individuals who work in youth-serving organizations, including program managers and coordinators, health educators, case managers, caregivers, hospital and medical staff, teachers, and other direct-service professionals that are interested in creating a supportive environment for women faced with unplanned pregnancies.

About the trainers:

Talia Gad, MA, is the Professional Development and Education Program Manager at Planned Parenthood of the Columbia/Willamette.  She has extensive experience in sexual health and education for over 11 years, serving adolescents, adults, parents, and professionals.  In addition to managing the Planned Parenthood Education Program in Portland, she offers professional trainings in areas such as sexuality, healthy relationships, reproductive health, and family communication.

Shari Levine is the Executive Director of Open Adoption & Family Services (OA&FS), the leading non-profit adoption agency in the northwest, which she has been with for over 14 years.  Shari and her husband have two adopted children, and enjoy ongoing relationships with her children's birthmothers.

Stacey Darden, MSW, is Insights Teen Parent Program’s Program Coordinator.  She has been with Insights for 8 years and has worked with children and families for 15 years.  At Insights, she manages several programs and provides clinical supervision to staff to serve their mission of creating a climate of positive options for young families.

Location:

Ambridge Events Center at 300 NE Multnomah St. http://www.ambridgeevents.com/
Accessible by the TriMet Red Line and several Bus lines (www.trimet.org/)

Registration:

To register, contact Carrie Farrar at (503) 775-4931 x2240 or carrie.farrar@ppcw.org

Training Fee:

Cost of the training is $85. Register before 2/2/07 and receive a 10% discount!
Fee includes continental breakfast, catered lunch, and training packet.
Scholarships available! Please inquire when registering.