A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Compendium of School-Based and School-Linked Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents, February 1999

Programs in Public Schools

Project Reach

Mission:

To assist pregnant and parenting adolescents to either remain in or return to an educational setting until they have graduated or attained a GED.

Profile:

Project Reach, which is based in four city schools, has been providing a variety of coordinated services to pregnant and parenting teens since 1991. Populations served are African-American (54 percent), Hispanic (39 percent), and white (7 percent), ages 11 to 21. On an annual basis, approximately 340 pregnant and 178 teen mothers and 51 teen fathers are served.

Description of Service Model:

Project Reach uses a case management model to assess each participant and prepare an individualized intervention plan. Staff coordinate medical, school, child care, vocational, and other support services for program participants and regularly monitor their grades and attendance. Child care and transportation assistance and academic options, such as summer school, night school, credit-by-exam, and correspondence courses are provided.

The program works closely with other school staff, including school nurses, counselors, teachers, and administrators, both in developing intervention plans and in monitoring progress. Referrals are made to community agencies such as health care providers and social service agencies and programs, and follow-up is provided to determine if student needs are met.

Evaluation Methods:

Indicators of program success include graduation rates, dropout statistics, and pregnancy outcome statistics, compared with local, state, and national figures.

-###-

[Parent and Child Enrichment Center] [Pregnant Minor and Infant/Toddler Program]