Staff of Families United to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (FUPTP) coordinated the event. FUPTP is an abstinence-based pregnancy prevention program that focuses on the academic and social development of teens by using value-based character building activities. The holistic program teaches youth goal setting, healthy decision making, and the positive results that can occur when a youth is abstinent from drugs, violence and sexual activity. The FUPTP program is currently offered at five Milwaukee schools and will begin a summer program in June to be held at Urban Day School.

The teen forum was an interesting mix of both parenting and non-parenting teens. Many of the participants were either in our Youth or Family Departments. One of the most interesting conversations that occurred was with the co-ed panel of teen parents, who were open and honest about their lives. They stated that the reality of being a parent sets in when your child is one month old. "You never have any money, friends begin to drift away, dating becomes difficult, and staying in school becomes a struggle." One teen gets up at 5:30 every morning to attend school. She has a 4.0 GPA, but has no time for herself. Other parents have dropped out of school but want to resume when their children are older. Only one third of teen parents complete high school, and they are more likely to receive welfare. One young mother felt like she had no future.

When asked why they had sex, some stated they were looking for approval and affection. Others stated they were curious, they wanted to be "grown up" and they felt pressure from peers. All said they felt like they were in love, but now realize they were not. They advised other teens to avoid "preaching," judging people, and suggested teens surround themselves with positive people who will help them make good decisions. The panel agreed that "you never regret your child, but you regret the timing."

Other discussion topics included the advantages of abstinence, the cost of raising a child, the effects of sexually transmitted infections, and the media's use of sex, violence, and risk-taking activities when selling products, especially to teens.

Due to the success of this forum, Rosalie Manor will hold several more throughout the year. For details on our next forum, or to bring a group of youth, please check our website at www.rosaliemanor.org.