This program serves an unrecognized and underserved population. We work to assure that the children of teen parents get a sound start while working with the parents to prevent additional pregnancies through education and support. Services are provided to youth between the ages of 12-21 in the Santa Fe and surrounding area. All services are free, voluntary, long term and confidential.
The overall goal of the program is to provide pregnant teens, teen mothers and fathers with the tools to be successful in life, to provide social support services and to assist in developing a health and caring family environment. This includes services that are based on individual needs and focus on a healthy pregnancy, a safe delivery, developing parenting skills of the new parents as well as helping them to develop into mature individuals. With this added support, teen parents are more likely to delay a second pregnancy, stay in school and successfully graduate, find a job and pursue training and/or continue their education.
Success is measured by:
- Increased family self-sufficiency with assistance in life skills, parenting
- skills and decision making
- Improved health and well-being of the teen parent and infant, improved
- pre-natal care, increased infant birth weight, improved medical
- and dental care
- Reduced child abuse and neglect
- Continued academic education and reduced interruption of education
- Decreased isolation from community and support network
- Reduced homelessness of teen parent families
