Child Abuse Prevention Rural Support Networks for Adolescent Parents (from Empowering Families for Better Health).

This paper discusses the process for obtaining grant funds, focusing on a specific project that provides support to pregnant and parenting teens. The paper describes events leading up to the award, and the nature of request for proposals (RFP). Grant proposals should cover: a statement of need; methodology; data collection and analysis; evaluation; and budget. The objectives stated in the pregnant adolescent project proposal include: weekly home visits; monthly group meetings; health services for mother and baby; and media campaigns regarding child abuse and adolescent pregnancy prevention. Tips for getting approved funding are offered: the use of volunteers in a project is always viewed favorably, and collaborative projects between agencies strengthen proposals. It is concluded that clear, organized, accurate grant proposals that address a genuine need are usually approved for funding. 1 table.