•    Males are more likely to engage in intercourse at a young age than females (Manlove et al., 2002). Becker (2004) reported on the findings from the 1995 National Survey of     Adolescent Males.
•    By the age of 19 years, 85% of males have experienced sexual encounters.
•    Males are more likely to be misinformed about sexual health and therefore are especially at risk for the occurrence of unintended pregnancy (Becker, 2004).

Previously, little support has been available for the teenage father. Very limited research has been conducted to discover the needs of a young father. It was reported that a father needs information on parenting skills as importantly as females (McGrew & Shore, 1991). A national symposium report on improving pregnancy outcomes in Indigenous communities (Rio Tinto Child Health Partnership, 2006) also highlights a need to address the deficit of positive father role modelling and the need to review the role cultural beliefs now play in the inclusion of men in pregnancy and parenting education given the changing climate of birthing practices nationally.

YFER - is currently inviting men who are passionate about getting good strong key messages across to their young boys /men about how, when the time comes, they can develop healthy relationships, support themselves & their partner in creating a healthy baby and becoming the best dad they can be. 

YFER is aiming to modify its current National program, which has been running for some time in many sites across Australia, to ensure it is relevant, sensitive and easily adaptable to the varying needs of Indigenous men/boys around Australia.