The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has unveiled comprehensive guidelines for the nationwide implementation of the Psychosocial Support and Other Interventions for Adolescent Mothers and their Families Project, commonly known as ProtecTEEN. According to an agency official, this initiative is a crucial step in addressing the root causes of the escalating number of teenage pregnancies and mobilizing government efforts to support adolescent mothers and their families.
Key Points:
Background and Purpose:
- Executive Order 141, issued in 2021, prioritized measures to combat teenage pregnancies at the national level.
- ProtecTEEN is part of the Social Protection Program for Adolescent Mothers and their Children (SPPAMC).
- The program aims to prevent teenage pregnancy and provide targeted interventions for adolescent mothers and their families.
Approach and Objectives:
- Social Welfare Model: ProtecTEEN adopts a social welfare model of intervention.
- Rights and Well-Being: It seeks to protect the rights of adolescent mothers and enhance their psychosocial well-being.
- Capacity Building: The program aims to improve teenage mothers’ ability to fulfill their parental responsibilities.
- Direct Services and Referrals: It provides direct social services, assistance, and referrals to relevant agencies.
- Peer Advocacy: Organizing peer advocates is a key component.
Child-Friendly and Gender-Responsive Approach:
- Supportive Atmosphere: ProtecTEEN fosters a supportive home environment for adolescent mothers, their partners, and families.
- Shared Parenting: It encourages an enabling environment for shared parenting.
Target Population:
- Adolescent Mothers: The program serves adolescent mothers aged 10 to 19.
- Inclusive Approach: It includes partners, parents, children, and other household members.
Expansion and Implementation:
- Successful Pilot: ProtecTEEN was successfully piloted in Antipolo City and Malaybalay City in Bukidnon.
- Wider Coverage: The project will now extend to cover all local government units (LGUs) and national government organizations (NGOs) willing to adopt the program.
Interventions:
- Family Healing Sessions: Providing emotional support and healing for adolescent mothers and their families.
- Family Case Management: Assisting families in navigating challenges.
- Employment, Livelihood, and Educational Assistance: Empowering teenage mothers.
- Capability Building Activities: Enhancing skills and knowledge.
- Referrals: Connecting families to other relevant services.
Advocacy and Empowerment:
- Addressing Stigma: The project will advocate against discrimination and social stigma faced by adolescent mothers.
- Reproductive Health Services: Empowering them to seek reproductive health services and related interventions.
The DSWD remains committed to supporting adolescent mothers and creating a nurturing environment for their families. Through ProtecTEEN, they aim to break down barriers, promote well-being, and empower young mothers to thrive.