Teen Parenting Program

Purpose

The Teen Parenting program provides programs and services to support teen parents/young adult parents, parents-to-be, and their children. The program is funded by the Community Action Plan for Children (CAPC) from Health Canada. Funding is presently in place until March 31, 2003.

The program consists of two forms of structured support to teens involved with the program. Often, participants want to discuss certain areas of their lives in private, through individual counseling. Home visits with the young parents in the program, especially with new participants, are used as initially youth often feel more comfortable talking in their homes. This added aspect also provides staff with some concept of their lifestyle and needs. Many individuals who access the Teen Parenting program often seek individual support as well as attending the group sessions.

Group sessions are held twice each week at EGADZ. Life skills, relationships, and personal development are topics of discussion determined by the issues and needs of the participants attending the group. The focus is often more self-awareness and support based as a reality of the complexity of parenting. Other times the focus pertains to more specific parenting issues.

In addition to the Teen Parenting Coordinator, the program employs young mom's from the program to assist with maintaining the parent center, play area on the main floor, and the infant/toddler clothing depot. A certified child care worker provides excellent care for infants/toddlers while their parent(s) are involved in group sessions.

The Teen Parent program continues to be associated with a number of committees and community groups such as:

* Saskatoon Parent Education Committee (SPEC)

* Parent Education Saskatchewan (PES)

* Teen Parenting Network Group

* Saskatoon Parent Education Facilitators meetings

* Communities for Children-Success By 6

The information, training, and support that are offered by these contacts are beneficial to program staff and participants. They have also assisted to improve awareness and credibility of the EGADZ Teen Parenting program within the community.