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 In 2004 Connexions data for teenage mothers illustrated that there was a need for agencies to work more in partnership in order to identify teenage parents and pregnant teenagers so that appropriate support could be put in place. Over the past two years, through close partnership working, employing a specialist advisor for teenage parents/pregnant teenagers and consulting with teenage parents, Connexions have made significant improvements.
Solid relationships have been built over the past two years by liaising with a range of partner agencies who work with teenage parents and pregnant teenagers with a view to promoting the support Connexions can offer and to establish closer working relationships. Due to this, and information sharing agreements in place with the home education service, more teenage mothers are known to Connexions Nottinghamshire and this is higher than the national average, plus of the young mothers known to us more are in EET, and the not known figure has been reduced by almost 50%. In addition to this there are also more young parents accessing Care to Learn.
Each Connexions team has a personal advisor with a ‘health specialist’ remit. They link in locally with the relevant Children’s Centre and attend locality groups regarding teenage pregnancy and sexual health. The specialist advisor sits on the teenage pregnancy forum and co-ordinates packages of care within Connexions and other agencies. This year Connexions are leading on three major county events for teenage parents by co-ordinating input from the health inequalities team, PCTs, Children’s Centres, the youth service, local colleges, sport and leisure, drug and alcohol teams, women’s aid, LSC, the private sector and Nottinghamshire County Council.
Connexions also support relevant partners through the provision of tailored training sessions and through contact with Connexions partner agencies receive up to date information on teenage pregnancy issues such as benefits, Care to Learn, education, housing and parenting support groups.
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