EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF A SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR ADOLESCENT MOTHERS

The evaluation of the efficiency of a support program for adolescent m others, and their children, is presented. Participants belonged to low socio-economic levels, from Santiago (Chile). The program is based on agents from the community denominated monitors-who carry out the work with the mothers and their children. Information tests were applied, and the group work of the 32 monitors were observed. Interviews were c arried out in all the levels of the program, including the 15 adolesce nt mothers participants. Results indicate that the service of the prog ram had good quality, with strenghts and weakness. Monitors of the mot hers were better than the monitors of the children, in theoretical asp ects and in the managing of their respective groups. The operation con ditions of the program were positive. The adolescent mothers report sa tisfaction with the program. Suggestions are presented in order to sol ve the problems usually faced in the implementation of community progr ams.