Purpose

The Adolescent Parenting Program (APP) was started in 1984 by the Department of Social Services to assist local agencies, schools, and families in providing services to adolescent parents. Emphasis is placed on preventing, remedying, or assisting in the solution of problems that may result in the abuse, neglect, exploitation, or delinquency of children. This also includes helping participants with life management skills, self-esteem issues, and any family relational problems.  Goals are established with input of both the case coordinator and the adolescent in an effort to ensure the success of the teen parent and child.

Goals

There are two primary goals of the program:
(1) The participant must be enrolled and remain in an educational setting and
(2) The participant must delay a second pregnancy until their educational program is completed (either high school diploma or GED is obtained).
Secondary goals are (1) enhancing parenting skills, (2) avoiding abuse and neglect, (3) utilizing appropriate health care for self and child,  and (4) preparing for employment.

Eligibility

The target population is first-time adolescent parents 18 years or younger that need individual and family support systems. If an interested participant is not enrolled in some sort of educational program, he/she must be willing to re-enroll.  Participants are eligible to remain in the program beyond the age of 18 if they are still seeking high school or equivalent education.

Special Information

APP Coordinator(s) meet with the participants at least once a month in the form of a home, school, or office visit.

Peer group meetings are held twice a month and include some type of educational program.  Refreshments are served at the meetings.  

Referral Procedure

Referrals can come from anyone.  This includes doctor's offices, the Health Department, schools, other participants, or self-referrals.  The APP does have a referral form, but referrals can also be taken verbally.