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 1994.
10.27 :  Home Visitor Program Demonstration

Contact: Michael Kharfen     (202) 401-9215
Thursday, Oct. 27, 1994


           HHS FUNDS DEMONSTRATION OF HOME VISITOR PROGRAM

     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today announced the commitment
of over $1,000,000 this year in federal funds, to test the
effectiveness of home visits for teen-age parents on welfare.  This
is a three-year joint initiative by HHS' Administration for Children
and Families and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

    This amount is the first phase of a projected $3 million in
federal funds to be made available to selected sites over a three-
year period for home visiting demonstrations involving teen parents
who receive assistance from the Aid to Families with Dependent
Children program.  Kaiser is expected to contribute about $l million
to support the evaluation of the initiative.

   "The link between teen births and poverty is very clear.  We need
to try new approaches to help put teens on the path to self-
sufficiency," said Secretary Shalala. "Our public/private
partnership with Kaiser is important as we study and develop
solutions to a critical social issue."  

    Home visits will be targeted to teen parents participating in
the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training program (JOBS). 
JOBS provides AFDC recipients with the opportunity to take part in
education, job training and work related activities.

    Activities will be designed to test the feasibility of
incorporating weekly home visits in the JOBS program.  Visits
will be made by staff who work with case managers and actively seek
to establish a close relationship with the young mothers and their
children.

    "There is evidence that the presence and active participation of
a caring adult is often the critical factor which influences
positive outcomes for teens," said Mary Jo Bane, assistant secretary
for children and families. "This demonstration is an example of our
continued efforts to assist teen parents who are at risk for long-
term welfare dependency."

     Demonstrations aim at improving social, personal, health, 
and economic outcomes among teen parents and their children.
Home visitors will provide instruction and supportive guidance in
l) enhancing parenting skills, 2) promoting effective family
planning, 3) obtaining appropriate health care for the teen parents 
and their children, and 4) accessing needed resources and supports,
with special focus on child support including paternity
establishment, if necessary.

       Grant recipients are:

     --State of Illinois (site: Chicago) $135,586
     --State of Oregon (site: Portland) $120,000
     --State of Texas (site: Dallas) $137,519
     --State of Ohio (site: Montgomery County, includes Dayton)      
       $123,000
     --State of Maryland (site: Baltimore City) $120,000

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