In June of 1999, the HTN Board of Directors adopted values statements that reflect the organization's position on the issues of adolescent pregnancy, parenting and prevention.
Statement 1 - We believe adolescent pregnancy and parenting pose long-term challenges for adolescents, their children, families, and communities.
Statement 2 -
We believe youth can make responsible decisions about sexuality, pregnancy and parenting, as well as be effective parents when they have complete, accurate, culturally relevant, age-, gender-, and, developmentally-appropriate information, skills, resources and support.
Statement 3 - We believe that effective adolescent pregnancy prevention, pregnancy programs and parenting programs are comprehensive, utilize research-based strategies, demonstrate an understanding and respect for the rights and capabilities of adolescents, and include a range of stake
holders in the decision-making, implementation and evaluation processes. We further believe that identification and evaluation of innovative strategies and promising approaches will serve the field.
Statement 4
- We believe that both male and female partners are equally responsible for preventing early pregnancy, as well as supporting, nurturing and parenting their children.
Statement 5 - We believe that all children deserve to grow up in safe, nurturing environments that promote their healthy development. We further recognize the responsibility to address the multiple needs of children of young parents.
Statement 6
- We believe that individuals and organizations in the field must have access to the most current information on research, best practices, and fiscal resources, as well as professional growth opportunities.
Statement 7 - We believe that the involvement of families, communities, practitioners, schools, religious institutions and local, state, regional and national coalitions and networks is essential in addressing the issues of adolescent pregnancy, prevention and parenting.
*The HTN Board invites comment about these statements. We believe they reflect the values that have become overriding principles in state and local organizations and coalitions as well.
