The Teen Fathers Program

Lead: Teenage father spreads the word to other teenage fathers in Connecticut.

Synopsis:
There are not many programs for teenage fathers to turn to in Bridgeport, Connecticut, but a man who used to be a teenage father himself is working to change this. Manuel Cardona would like to improve the lives of this generation of teenage fathers. Teen fatherhood is associated with many risk factors, including delinquency and drug use. However, Manuel Cardona knows that with a little caring and counseling he can help diminish some of the risks facing these young men. Through teen parent services, counseling, educational enrichment and job search assistance, these young fathers are able to move their lives in a different direction. Manuel, who was able to finish college, support his family, and even meet the president, is an ideal role model for these young men. His life story provides hope and guidance for the men in the program.

Relevant Program
The Teen Fathers Program
Manuel Cardona, Program Director
YMCA of Greater Bridgeport
651 State Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 334-5551

Story Contact
Manuel Cardona
Program Director
YMCA of Greater Bridgeport
651 State Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 334-5551

Expert Contact
Travis R. Grant, M.S.
511 W. 1800 N.
Provo, UT 84604
Phone: (801) 344-8930
Relevant area: Teenage fatherhood.

Background

According to the US Census Bureau, 40 percent of all American children live in homes without fathers. (The Plain Dealer, June 18, 1995, Bringing up Daddies, Editorials and Forum; pg.2C)

In a study of teenage parents and their children, disinterest in child rearing most consistently predicted univolvement. Fathers were less likely than mothers to report paternal disinterest as a barrier and more likely to attribute their lack of involvement to resistance in mothers. Of the fathers who cited disinterest, there was an association with lack of money and knowledge of childcare. Most teen fathers in this study were involved and interested in child rearing. (Rhein LM, Ginsburg KR, Schwartz DF, Pinto Martin JA, Zhao HQ, Morgan AP, Slap GB. (1997). Teen father participation in child rearing: Family perspectives. Journal of Adolescent Health, 21(4). 244-252.)

Men who are teen fathers complete fewer years of education and are less likely to finish high school compared with men who are not teen fathers. These educational deficits persist even after family and personal characteristics are taken into account.

Teen fathers enter the labor market earlier and initially earn more money than do other men; by the time teen fathers reach their mid-20’s, however, they earn less. After controlling for personal traits and family background, the long term earning deficits of teem fathers disappear implying that teen fathers are as capable of providing for their children as are other young men from similarly disadvantaged backgrounds. (Pirog-Good, Maureen A. (1996). "The education and labor market outcomes of adolescent fathers." Youth & Society. Vol. 28 (2), 236-262.)

Teen fatherhood is related to a variety of risk factors, such as social class, educational performance, precocious sexual activity, and drug use. (Thornberry, TP, Smith, CA, Howard, GJ. (1997). Risk factors for teenage fatherhood: Data from the Rochester Youth Developmental Study, National Center on Fathers and Families. Journal of Marriage and Family, 59: (3), 505-522.)

The Plain Dealer, June 18, 1995, Bringing up Daddies, Editorials and Forum; pg.2C

Teen Fathers grow up: US survey indicates young men are feeling more responsible, The Gazette (Montreal), January 8, 1999, Living; p. D12T

Rhein LM, Ginsburg KR, Schwartz DF, Pinto Martin JA, Zhao HQ, Morgan AP, Slap GB, Teen Father Participation in Child Rearing: Family Perspectives, Journal of Adolescent Health, 21: (4) 244-252, Oct, 1997

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Labor Market Participation – Youth Cohort, The education and Labor Market Outcomes of Adolescent Fathers, Pirog Good MA, Youth and Society, 28: (2) 236-262, Dec 1996

Data from the Rochester Youth Developmental Study, Thornberry TP, Smith CA, Howard GJ, Risk Factors for Teenage Fatherhood, Journal of Marriage and the Family, 59: (3), 505-522, Aug 1997

Compiled by Alyssa Dufault