Program areas at Teen Parent Connection
Community-based doula services have been designed to reduce disparities in birth outcomes for teenage parents and their infants. A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most empowering experience possible. Doulas conduct weekly home visits with families and provide links to healthcare and community resources, address barriers to care, support parental attachment, and promote and support breastfeeding.
The prevention program delivers a powerful message on the risks and responsibilities of adolescent pregnancy and parenting to thousands of middle and high school students in the dupage county area each year. Our curriculum stresses the power of responsible, healthydecision-making and its impact on school achievement and life success.
Healthy families is a long-term, research-based national home visiting model that is accredited by prevent child abuse america and is proven to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. Services begin prenatally or at birth and are designed to provide individualized support, strengthen positive parent-child relationships, promote positive growth and development in children, improve overall family health and well-being, and build families' protective factors.individual, couple and family counseling services are available to participants currently enrolled in our parenting support programs, and assist families facing increased stressors that may result in depression, anxiety, interpersonal violence, and risk for child abuse and neglect.
Young Parent support groups encompass the principles of mutual support, Parent leadership, and personal growth - which are proven in supporting the development of critical protective factors. Group educational units reinforce healthy parenting behaviors focusing on important topics such as child development, job readiness, money management, family nutrition, healthy relationships, family planning, stress management, and child guidance. Breakout sessions for young fathers focus on topics specifically related to their parenting role.
The parents' pantry is an incentive-based program in which participants can shop for baby and personal items, including diapers, wipes, and formula, using coupons earned by participating in our programs.