Dream Catchers Teen Parents Inc

Welcome to the Dream Catchers Teen Parents Inc.

We have a vision that we would like to share with you.

Parenting on any level is an extremely difficult task when you have no support networks. If you remove social support systems and add the various issues a teenager is already facing it could possibly end in disaster or in a very dysfunctional society.

Teen parents are our most at risk group for a number or reasons.

They're dealing with many new things such as puberty, body issues, fitting in, experimentation with drugs and alcohol, and exploring their own sexuality. That's an awful lot of stuff to be dealing with on their own. Social support systems play a protective role, and not only help reduce stress, but also provide support and encouragement for any goals and plans the teenager may have. Ivana Pejakovic 2010.

There is no reason teenagers can't go on to become good parents, set achievable goals/dreams; and achieve those goals/dreams with the help of the Dream Catchers Teen Parents Inc.

We are not an organisation promoting teen pregnancy. We are a support system set up to aide both teen mothers and teen fathers to become all that they can be. We will help guide them as they move into adulthood. We want to help them grow into independent, self-sufficient members within their communities.

It is also important to have multiple levels of support, from different people. If you have only one person supporting you through difficult times, you may wear that person out, or feel unsupported if that person is unavailable. It's better for everyone if you have at least a few people to depend on. Ivana Pejakovic 2010.

As an organisation we need to create programmes designed to target the support needed by this at risk group of young people. Provide the support they require to enable them to remain in school, return to school or follow career pathways in order to obtain gainful employment. To enable them to do this they may require assistance in a number of areas in their lives. We also need to acquire the funding to provide the programmes. On top of this we need to address the issues relating to the health and well-being of both the teen mother and her baby.

We want to gear programmes to connect these at risk young people with supports already available to them, showing them how to access the help and empowering them to become independent in seeking help.

Here are three of the most important groups that teens can turn to for support and encouragement in the formulation and execution of their goals. Ivana Pejakovic 2010

Parents: It's been proven that teen parents who live with their parents or relatives are more likely to return to school, to graduate from high school and to be employed. It's also been proven that teens who involve their parents in their lives and decision making are much more likely to stay out of trouble and make better choices in life. In other words, teens that have the proper support are much more likely to set and meet goals and achieve greater levels of success in their lives than teens that are disconnected or estranged from their parents. Ivana Pejakovic 2010

Social Groups: It's important that teens get out there and socialise with other like-minded teens. Whether it's organised sports, a band, or club, teens connect best with other teens. Much of teenage “angst” comes from one feeling “alone” and misunderstood. Spending time with other teens will help them share trials and tribulations, not feel alone, as well as allow each other to nurture their goals and dreams. Ivana Pejakovic 2010

If a teen is lonely and having trouble finding a group or activity to get involved with, they can join a gym, volunteer to help the disabled or underprivileged, get a pet, join an online social network, join a sports team or find a group of their choosing on “Meet Up.Com”. Ivana Pejakovic 2010

Social Workers: Sometimes friends or family don't have all the answers, and it's wise to consult a professional. There are many different kinds of professionals, including guidance counsellors, cognitive behavioural therapists, and psychologists. Another popular choice is for teens to get involved with a life coach. Life coaches specialise in helping people set goals and map out the path required to achieve them. They have specialised skills that help teens understand their problems, needs, wants and goals and can offer help disenfranchised teens get a new outlook on their lives and their ambitions. Ivana Pjakovic 2010

Proper support systems are integral to a teen succeeding in life, and it's important for a teen to foster strong relationships with their parents, get involved with social groups and if necessary get the proper help they need from a social worker, guidance counsellor or life coach. Ivana Pejakovic 2010

In summary, we can see that by providing adequate support to teen parents and their support networks we can assist them in achieving their goals and dreams along with helping them become independent, self-sufficient and successful young adults and parents to their children. This is what Dream Catchers Teen Parents Inc would like to see achieved.

Yours Sincerely

Dream Catchers Teen Parents Inc

 A place where you can catch your dreams......