Teen Parent Project:

The "Teen Parent Project" is a comprehensive outreach program designed to assist in meeting the needs of teen mothers and their infants.

The program is geared toward providing services for high-risk pregnant teens or teen mothers through individual in-home services and a variety of group settings. The purpose of the program is to insure that young women and their infants can be assisted with appropriate care and can eliminate difficulties in social, personal, and family issues that cause them to be at risk.

Our Staff: A Teen Parent Project social worker will visit your home and begin working with you in creating a "plan of action" for enhancing your parenting skills and setting & reaching personal goals. You and your social worker will work together to carry out your "plan of action" using various resources that best suit your needs.

What is the "Teen Parent Project?":
The curriculum (The Nurturing Program) involves several aspects and is divided into two categories: in-home visits & group sessions:

1. In-home visits include personalized attention given to setting & reaching goals for the enhancement of your and your infant's life. We offer parenting skills training, understanding family planning, education assistance, assistance with obtaining legal advice, strengthening family relationships, and maximizing community resources to name a few.
   
   Each part of the program is essential; however, the focus is on building life skills to enhance parenting and personal development. In addition to this emphasis, you'll benefit from the mentoring relationship and direct input from your social worker.
   
 
2. Group sessions allow teen mothers to interact with other teen mothers during informative and entertaining activities, such as:
   
   • Life Skills Groups
   • Family Activities
   • STD Prevention Groups
   • Abstinence Groups
   • CPR/First Aid Groups

    

3. Family Life Education Group Sessions allow teen mothers to interact with other teen mothers as well as teens at risk of becoming teen mothers during informative and entertaining activities, such as:

• Nurturing Parent Groups
• Parent/child bonding activities
• Life Skills Groups
• School advocacy
• Community projects 

Who Can Receive the Program's Support?:
Any first time teen mother who lives in the United Way area, is 21 years old or younger, and would like to improve her parenting skills is eligible for the services.

Why is the "Teen Parent Project" Important?:
Being a teenager and being a parent is rough. Coping with the responsibilities of either one is a big enough job, but trying to manage both without the right kind of help can be overwhelming. Loving your baby is not always enough. You have to make decisions, locate resources, take responsibilities...the list goes on. That's why we would like to let you know about the services of the Teen Parent Project that are available to you at no charge.

How Do I Get Involved?:
For more information on our program, please contact the Teen Parent Project at Children's Aid Society, (205) 251-7148. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.