Mentoring Program Aims to Reduce Teen Pregnancy

Gov. Pete Wilson launched a statewide campaign Monday in South-Central Los Angeles aimedat reducing teen pregnancy by urging adults to get involved in children’s lives as mentors.

The Partnership for Responsible Parenting, a mentoring program that links children with responsible adults, is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive effort aimed at reducing teen pregnancy, state officials said.

Wilson was joined by Health and Welfare Secretary Sandra R. Smoley and a team of community, corporate, entertainment and athletic partners in speaking to students and mentors at Foshay Learning Center, an inner-city school with a successful mentoring program.

“We want all potential mentors to recognize that a small commitment can make a big difference in guiding children and teens on a solid path in life,” Smoley said. “You don’t need any special skills to be a mentor--just a desire to help kids reach their full potential.”