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Teen
Parent Support Project
Northern
Region
Catholic Charities'
Teen Parent Support Project (TPSP) offers four programs for
pregnant and parenting teens. Participation by all family is encouraged.
Programs are available to parents and their families in any combination.
The four programs are case management, parenting classes, pregnancy
prevention, and peer mentoring. Each program is designed to
enhance the health, security, and well being of the mother, father,
and the child. Programs created are in partnership with other community
agencies including La Familia Medical Center, the Teen Parent Center
at Santa Fe High School, Healthy Families First at the Santa Fe
County Health Offices, the Santa Fe County Maternal and Child Health
Planning Council.
Case Management
Home visitation, individualized goal setting, response to critical
events, transportation, and long-term relationship building are
features of this program. We work in behalf of the pregnant and
parenting teens striving to become independent, competent parents.
Connections to community resources for education, childcare, clothing,
food, counseling, as well as many other community resources are
based on personal concerns identified by the family. The case manager
works in partnership with staff from La Familia Medical Center,
the Teen Parent Center at Santa Fe High School, Healthy Families
First, and the Community Infant Program at Santa Fe Family Center.
A free Teen Parent Resource Directory is available on request.
| Eligibility
Criteria: Resident of the City or County of Santa Fe; Pregnant
or parenting teens, ages 12 to 21; All family members can receive
services; Services are free; No time limit; Participation is
requested and voluntary |
Parenting
Classes:
Parenting classes are offered in collaboration with staff of La
Familia Medical Center. Classes are free, on going, and are located
at La Familia Medical Center. Two-hour weekly presentations are
repeated every month. Classes alternate monthly in English and Spanish.
Presentations cover CPR training on infants and toddlers, discipline
without violence, infant/toddler health, nutrition and home safety,
and stages of child development. Community resources are emphasized.
Many free materials are given to participants in the classes. Call
La Familia Medical Center 982-5460 or Catholic Charities 424-9789
if you would like to attend.
| Eligibility
Criteria: Voluntary; Free; ALL the family is encouraged
to participate; Open to anyone in the community; No residential
restrictions; No time restrictions; May participate in classes
often; Spanish and English speaking instructors; Free onsite
child care; Classes offered when three people have registered |
Pregnancy
Prevention Panels:
This is peer education at its best. Young parents tell their
stories and share knowledge about parenting with junior high school
students. Some subjects likely to be covered may include the impact
of drug and alcohol abuse on the parent and child, the responsibilities
and importance of the father, the frustrations of being a young
parent, and information on the birthing experience. Panel members
are trained volunteers. To schedule a panel presentation contact
Catholic Charities at 424-9789.
| Eligibility
to be a Panel Member: Training in public speaking; Instruction
on the topics; Panel members are Participants in the Mentor Mom
program, or are receiving case management; Voluntary; No time
or geographic restrictions |
MentorMom
Leadership Program:
This volunteer program offers a vibrant and meaningful opportunity
for the cultivation of friendship and role modeling between a young
mother and a volunteer MentorMom, who is a successful former teen
mother. Volunteers receive mentor training and opportunities for
additional parenting education. MentorMoms may receive instruction
through training at St. Vincent Hospital in Professional Childbirth
Assistant or "Doula". This allows the MentorMom to assist
her young mother during childbirth in the hospital. MentorMoms are
given access to share their wisdom on the radio, television, in
workshops, conferences and as a Pregnancy Prevention Panel member.
| Eligibility
Criteria for MentorMom: Commit to a six month relationship
with a young mother; Attend volunteer training; Ability to pass
criminals record check, child abuse registry, and clean driving
record; Love of children, parenting, and teens; Former teen
mother; Access to insured automobile/NM Drivers License |
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