Subsequent pregnancy program: Celebrating 20 years of effectively delaying second pregnancies among adolescent mothers

2011 marked the 20th anniversary of the Subsequent Pregnancy Program (SPP), a home visiting program designed to help adolescent mothers delay a second pregnancy and complete their high school education. Among the 4,000 young, first-time mothers who have participated in SPP, 97% successfully delayed a second pregnancy and 87% remained in school or graduated. Participant outcomes (delay of second pregnancy, contraceptive use, and high school graduation) have remained consistent across diverse populations of adolescents (African American 59%, Mexican 33%, Caucasian 5%, Other 3%) from 50 communities across Illinois. During the 20th program year, 2010 – 2011, there were zero repeat pregnancies among 279 SPP participants, ages 13-19, and 90% of those young mothers eligible to graduate received their high school diplomas. Significant increases in reproductive health knowledge were reported and a majority of participants were using an effective method of contraception (Depo-Provera 39%, IUD 22%, Implanon 18%). At year-end, 91% of sexually active participants reported use of a condom at last intercourse. SPP has achieved consistent outcomes over time by combining intensive home visiting and group training. The Subsequent Pregnancy Program model provides ongoing, individualized support through a personal relationship between the young mother and her Home Visitor. SPP Home Visitors are paraprofessional women from the participants' own communities who can relate to the daily life experiences of these young mothers. The Subsequent Pregnancy program model and curriculum were developed working collaboratively with SPP Home Visitors in seven community agencies with continuous support by the Illinois Department of Human Services.