Adolescent Family Support Programs

Introduction

Teen parents often face problems that make it difficult for them to support themselves and their children. Young parents are likely to drop out of school, and without an education or work experience, it's hard for them to find jobs. They and their children sometimes confront challenges ranging from poverty and repeat pregnancy to substance abuse and child neglect.

The Perinatal Council helps pregnant and parenting teens:

1) learn to care for themselves and their babies
2) continue their education
3) find jobs and become self-sufficient

We begin our care for the family during pregnancy by providing outstanding healthcare services for the mother before, during, and after the birth of her child. Once the child is born, we help parents be the best moms and dads they can be. We teach them about child development, appropriate behavior, and effective discipline. We also show them how to create a positive, nurturing home life.

Family case management is an important part of our services. The Family Advocate forms a one-to-one relationship with each family and serves as a trusted friend and advocate for the individual and the entire family. For some individuals and families, the Family Advocate may be their first and only positive role model. Famly Advocates also offer emotional support as young men and women make the important transition to parenthood.

Equally important, Family Advocates link families to community agencies that provide housing, educational assistance, childcare, healthcare, and vocational guidance. The Perinatal Council partners with many other agencies, and with their assistance, we can offer faster access to an array of services that make it easier for families to be more cohesive, healthy and self-sufficient.

Our Funders

The following programs fund the Adolescent Family Support Program:

Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP) Funded by the State of California Department of Health Services, Maternal Child Health Branch, for pregnant/parenting teens aged 12-19 in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, and their partners.

Cal-Learn Funded by California Department of Social Services, for pregnant/parenting teens aged 12-19 receiving public assistance benefits in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Every Child Counts Funded by Every Child Counts Alameda County First 5, for children (0-5 years of age) of pregnant or parenting teens in AFLP and Cal-Learn programs in Alameda County.