SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 15

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO CONVENE A GROUP TO STUDY ISSUES RELATING TO TEEN PARENTS AND DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PLAN TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has the fourth highest teen birth rate in the nation, accounting for more than twelve births by teen mothers each day, approximately four thousand five hundred births in 2002; and

     WHEREAS, the state recognizes the importance of infant mental health and that children of teen parents are at a high risk for developing mental health problems; and

     WHEREAS, nearly four out of ten girls become pregnant at least once before the age of twenty; and

     WHEREAS, teen pregnancy results in serious education and health problems for the mother and father, including:

          A. teen mothers who are more likely to have serious complications during pregnancy and delivery;

          B. teen fathers and mothers who are less likely to earn a high school diploma; and

          C. teen fatherhood as a predictor of juvenile delinquency; and

     WHEREAS, the children of teen parents are more likely to:

          A. live in poverty;

          B. have health problems at birth;

          C. be physically abused, abandoned or neglected;

          D. do poorly in school;

          E. be incarcerated; or

          F. become teen mothers; and

     WHEREAS, teen parents are at a higher risk to be victims of crime and exploitation, including domestic violence; and

     WHEREAS, education, housing and support are critical for teen parents; and

     WHEREAS, teen parents have a great potential to be closely bonded to their children and provide for positive outcomes for their children if they are supported in their parenting role; and

     WHEREAS, teen pregnancy costs New Mexico about two hundred sixteen million dollars ($216,000,000) per year;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children, youth and families department convene a study group that includes appropriate staff from the department of health, the human services department, the labor department, the public education department, the United States housing and urban development department, as permitted, and community members knowledgeable about services to parenting teens; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study group survey the state for programs that work for teen parents, analyze the kinds of services and support programs needed by teen parents and describe the service gaps that exist in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study group develop a comprehensive strategic plan to address the service gaps and support needs and recommend a state agency to take responsibility for implementing the plan to address the needs of parenting teens and their children; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the children, youth and families department, the department of health, the human services department, the labor department and the public education department; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the results of the findings of the study group be reported to the interim legislative health and human services committee by October 31, 2004 and that two copies of the report be provided to the legislative council service library.

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