Sexually active teenagers who have not been educated about birth control and safe sex can find themselves coping with an unplanned pregnancy -- made even more frightening if the young mother doesn't have a place to live.

The Teen Haven programme provides housing, counselling and educational programmes for homeless mothers between the ages of 16 and 21.

But although the Haven helps young mothers through their roughest year, many have a difficult time coping with such a life-altering experience.

"Many of them aren't prepared to make some of the sacrifices -- and they have to learn really fast to develop those skills,'' said Haven director Michelle Johnson.

"They have to learn to become more patient and less impulsive, so emotionally and financially it becomes a real challenge,''she added.

"We help them learn to cope with being a teen parent, being away from their families, how to care for babies, and not become abusive or turn to drugs.'' Mrs. Johnson said that counselling is a particularly important part of the programme, since many of teen mothers become very depressed about their circumstances.

"Some will readily admit that they're depressed, and the depression comes in many different ways,'' she said.

"Some become withdrawn, other can lash out -- the depression sometimes even leads to violence because they feel like everything is snowballing,'' she added.

"But the main thing is to give them information so they don't put themselves in that situation (of coping with an unplanned pregnancy) again.'' Mrs. Johnson explained that each resident is assigned a social worker who helps develop a treatment plan so the young woman can accomplish her goals of either earning a GED or BSSC, or becoming employed.

The programme also includes education about parenting and life skills, the Haven's Continuation School, job placement, and referrals for Government day care.

"We want to help them to become more productive and to prevent high school dropout,'' said Mrs. Johnson. She noted that residents come from all walks of life -- and unlike a generation ago, it's not usually the situation where angry parents have thrown their young daughter out the house.

"The love is there, but housing is definitely the problem. Most parents are initially upset because they worry about their daughter's education, finances, and how the family structure has changed,'' Mrs. Johnson said.

"But we also counsel family members and try to put an end to an unresolved issue, get rid of the baggage, and try to knit the family together as much as possible.'' The Haven is staffed by four supervisors and one social worker although Mrs.

Johnson said the programme, which is currently attending to eight residents, is short staffed.

The programme, which is a division of Teen Services, recently had a tag day to raise much-needed funds -- since, as administrative officer Lorna Reid pointed out, it costs $1,700 per month to house one resident and her child.

For more info or to make a donation to the registered charity, call 292-4598.

PREVENTION Prevention What are the options? From VCU Office of Health Promotion webpage *** Spermicides: Foam, suppositories, gels and creams Pros: Economical, if used with condom they provide immediate backup -- contraception should the condom break.

Cons: Can be messy, may cause irritation.

*** Intrauterine Devices (IUD) Pros: A small plastic device implanted inside the uterus that is easily inserted and removed -- no surgery required.

Cons: Women at high risk for STDs may develop infertility if infection occurs, may cause cramping and bleeding.

*** Diaphragm Pros: Kills sperm and holds contraceptive jelly against the cervix. Birth control completely in the hands of the woman. May also provide barrier to some STDs.

Cons: Increased risk for bladder infection, must be refitted if the woman gains or loses ten pounds.

*** Cervical Cap (smaller than diaphragms, made of thicker rubber) Pros: Up to 48 hours of protection, may serve as barrier to some STDs, no increased risk for bladder infection.

Cons: Not all women can be fit successfully, cap may be dislodged during intercourse.

*** Depo Provera Injections Pros: Loss of menses, only one injection needed every 12 weeks.

Cons: Weight gain, possible side effects like depression, infertility may continue for six to 18 months after last injection, inability to predict when you will bleed.

*** Condoms Pros: Protection against HIV and other STDs, very effective if used with another barrier method such as diaphragm, sponge or spermicide.

Cons: Understanding basics of use and technique are very important.

*** Birth Control Pills Pros: Very high effectiveness, lighter periods with less cramping, reduces risk for ovarian and uterine cancer and decreases risk for pelvic inflammatory disease.

Cons: Increase blood pressure, does not protect against STDs, associated with missed periods and spotting in between periods.

*** Surgical Implants (Norplant) Pros: After getting the implant, virtually eliminates any concern about pregnancy for five years.

Cons: STDs still a concern, often causes irregular bleeding, initially more expensive.

Only abstinence is 100 percent effective.