Teen-Mom Support ProgramsBy Stevona Burks

Background Information In 1991, the US teen birth rate reached its peak high

at 61.8 for every 1000 adolescent females. In 2013, the USA 26.5 for every 1000 adolescent

females ages 15-19 has a child,One in six 17% births to 15-19 years olds had more

than one baby. US teen birth rate is still higher than other developed

countries such as Canada and United Kingdom. 89% occurs outside marriage. In 2013, Washington State teen birth pregnancy rate

was at 20.5 per 1000 adolescent females ages 15-19.

Office of Adolescent Health. (2015). Trends in teen pregnancy and childbearing. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-health-topics/reproductive-health/teen-pregnancy/trends.html

…..Continue Background To avoid teen births repeats OAHS Pregnancy

Assistance fund (PAF) program to states and Tribes.

The program offers:◦Help pregnant and parenting teens complete high

school or a vocational degree.◦Gain access to health care.◦Childcare.◦Family housing.◦Support groups

Lets examine some teen-mom support programs in Washington State and other states.

Teen Support Program Seattle’s Teen Parent Support

Program offered at three Seattle family centers to meet specific challenges faced by pregnant and teen parents such as:◦Remaining in school.◦Improve academic achievements. ◦Keep their children in good health.◦Basic needs.

Human Services Department . (1995-2015). Family Support. Retrieved from http://www.seattle.gov/humanservices/children_families/support/teen_parent.htm

….Continue Teen Support ProgramThe Teen Support Program offers:

◦Weekly support groups◦Parent and child activities ◦Referral services and resources◦Outing and field trips◦Onsite childcare while attending

parenting classes and groups. ◦GED program◦Alternative High School

Housing HopeThe housing agency are embarking upon the problems of vulnerable teen moms such as:

◦Poverty, due to lack of education◦Abuse◦Exposing their children to unhealthy situations◦Challenges to become self-sufficient

Many of these young women has also become disconnected from family and community systems.

Housing Hope. (2013). Teen Parent Program. Retrieved from http://www.housinghope.org/programs/teenParent.html

….Continue of Housing HopeHousing Hope offers teen moms in Everett, WA:

◦Emergency, transitional, and affordable housing.

◦A case manager.◦One on one support.◦Weekly life skills classes.◦Provide strength based approach.◦Teens must complete basic education.◦Teen has the opportunity to move forward

to vocational or higher education.

Teen Moms Fresh Start

The Teen Moms Fresh Start via network to partner with organization from various places. There main focuses is to support the development issues that teen mom may face such as:

◦Finances ◦Health ◦Parenting ◦Reduce teen pregnancy

Teen Moms Fresh Start. (2014) Events. Retrieved from http://teenmoms.wix.com/freshstart#!events/c21kz

….Continue of Teen Moms Fresh StartHere are a couple of upcoming events at the center in Baltimore, Maryland:• Meet & Greet- Meet other teen

parents, learn about assistance, and how to establish a support group• The Y “Healthy Kids Day”- Focuses

on improvement health and well-being of kids, • “Breaking the Silence” Fundraiser-

Supporting those living in silent illnesses.

Teen Outreach Pregnancy ServicesTOPS program is design for teen MOMS & DADS and utilizes the evidence-based program Nurturing Parents. The program prepare teen’s for expiations' during a child’s first years of life. The program offers:

◦ Free pregnancy testing. ◦ Teenage pregnancy preventions.◦ Free teenage pregnancy education.◦ Free childbirth classes for teenagers.

Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services . (2015). Services . Retrieved from https://www.teenoutreachaz.org/teen-service/parenting-classes-for-teenagers/

….continue of TOPS◦Free parenting classes for teenage

moms & dads.◦Jensen’s Corner- maternity and baby

clothing.◦Free TOPS DAD Program◦Parents of Teens classes◦Support groups

TOPS is located in Arizona, but have other locations in Pima, Maricopat and Gila countries.

Closing

Different programs offers a variety of support and assistance to prevent the barriers that teens are faced with. There are many other teen support groups all over the world. By reducing teen pregnancy, teens have a better chance in reaching goals and accomplishing their dreams to establish successful life.

ReferenceHousing Hope. (2013). Teen parent program. Retrieved from http://

www.housinghope.org/programs/teenParent.html

Human Services Department . (1995-2015). Family Support. Retrieved from

http://www.seattle.gov/humanservices/children_families/support/teen_parent.htm

Teen Moms Fresh Start. (2014) Events. Retrieved from http://teenmoms.wix.com/freshstart#!events/c21kz

Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services . (2015). Services . Retrieved from https

://www.teenoutreachaz.org/teen-service/parenting-classes-for-teenagers/

Office of Adolescent Health. (2015). Trends in teen pregnancy and childbearing. Retrieved from http://

www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-health-topics/reproductive-health/teen-pregnancy/trends.html