Conejo Valley : Pregnancy Group Seeks New Members

An ad-hoc committee examining teen-age pregnancy in Ventura County is looking for new members from the east county who work with teen-agers in schools, churches and nonprofit organizations.

The county Board of Supervisors asked the countywide Commission for Women in June to form the committee to examine the problem of teen-age pregnancy. The group of more than 30 social workers, teachers, law-enforcement officials and community workers has met twice, said Judy Bysshe, a high school assistant principal who is chairwoman of the committee.

However, Bysshe said most of the members are from west county. “We’re lacking folks on the other side of the Conejo Grade,” she said.

The committee will survey students countywide about teen-age pregnancy and devise a plan to work with cities, the county and the schools in an attempt at prevention.

The committee will look at “what’s happening to boys as well as girls,” Bysshe said.

“Reports nationwide show an increase in teen pregnancy,” Bysshe said. “We’re looking at what’s happening in this county, what are the root causes, and we hope to put together a broad-based plan to address the needs of our county.”

For more information, call 648-3224.