Our experience shows that homeless young parents and pregnant teens/young adults (under age 22) can have substantially different needs and that they can be at various stages of their lives. The Parenting Pathways Program was designed by Youthworks with options and various levels of support and supervision. An expecting homeless 16-year old female with school to complete, often has different needs and goals than a 20-year old homeless female with a 6-month old child living in an unhealthy relationship.
Youthworks’ approach provides appropriate transitional housing along a continuum that includes (1) a group living home, (2) scattered site-subsidized, supervised transitional apartments and (3) transitional rental assistance with support. Based on the professional assessment of the staff, the client could enter the Youthwork’s program any where along the continuum and proceed through the continuum. The appropriate option would depend upon their:
o needs and barriers to independence,
o demonstrated level of proficiency in living independently,
o demonstrated parenting skills, and
o need for supervision and services.
As a condition of participation, pregnant or parenting youth will be required to learn parenting skills, including child development, family budgeting, health and nutrition and other skills promoting their economic independence in order to ensure the well-being of their children.
Other services provided include employment assistance, transportation, tutoring, financial assistance, career and educational planning. A requirement for participation is follow-through and progress towards meeting independence goals jointly established by the participant and the staff.
Contact Persons
Bismarck:
Anita Tipton, 701-255-6909 ext. 101, anita_yworks@midconetwork.com
Fargo:
Kris Haycraft, 701-232-8558, khaycraft@ideaone.net