|
Teen Parent Assessment Project FAQs
How are referrals made?
Most referrals come directly from Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) caseworkers. Referrals are accepted in writing, phone (202) 541-3906, or by fax (202) 541-3964.
Teen Parent Assessment Project
2146 - 24th Place, NE
Washington, DC 20018
Referrals are assigned to a caseworker for assessment and follow-up services. The initial assessment includes a home visit and contacts with the teen parent and other interested parties.
Who makes referrals?
Most referrals for assessment and case management services for teen parents come from caseworkers in the Income Maintenance Administration. However, if a teenager is receiving TANF benefits and needs social services assistance, referrals are accepted from other sources, including the DC Public Schools and community-based programs. An assessment of each client's situation will be completed, and services will be provided to the extent possible.
Where can teens go for help?
What can parents do?
- Talk to your children about their future plans. Young people focused on goals are less likely to become pregnant.
- Encourage your children to become involved in low-risk activities.
- Hug your children and take an active interest in their school progress and other activities.
- Talk to your children about abstinence, sex, and birth control.
Why is teen pregnancy a problem?
Many teenagers do not receive adequate prenatal care during their pregnancies. Babies born to teenage mothers frequently are born with low birth weights, have more childhood illnesses and are hospitalized more than babies born to older women.
Many pregnant teenagers and teen parents drop out of school because once teenagers become parents, they must focus their energies on their children rather than completing their own development. Teenage parents are more likely to be poor and remain poor for most of their lives than people who have babies after they reach 20 years of age.
| 
