The rate of births per 1,000 adolescents in Caroline County rose sharply from 47.6 in 2008 to 65.2 in 2009, then dropped to a five-year low of 24.9 in 2012. Although Caroline County ranks 6th highest in the State, the percentages have continued to drastically decrease each year. This can be attributed to the School/Community Program for Sexual Risk Reduction Among Teens. This Program was chosen by the HSC to continue due to its success and the need to maintain the education being provided.

School/Community Program for Sexual Risk Reduction Among Teens

Adolescent mothers are more likely to drop out of high school, experience unemployment, or if employed, earn lower wages than women who begin childbearing after age 20. Children born to teen mothers face increased risks of low birth weight, prematurity, infant mortality, developmental disabilities, and poverty.