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

School- and Community-Based Programs

PARTNERS of Child and Family, Inc.

Agency: PARTNERS of Child and Family, Inc.
901 E. Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, Tennesee  37915
Telephone:
Fax:		 (423) 544-0053
(423) 521-5631
Contact Person: Sheila Adams, Program Coordinator
Annual Budget: $200,000
Primary Funding Sources: State of Tennessee; Gerber Foundation; and United Way

Mission:

Through community partnerships, the program provides a continuum of services that enhance family life through prevention, treatment and advocacy.

Profile:

PARTNERS began serving pregnant and parenting teens in 1986. Its programs are located in urban and rural areas in school and community facilities and serve African-American (50 percent) and white (50 percent) populations. The program works with mothers of all ages on achieving self-sufficiency and serves approximately 20 pregnant and 160 parenting teens each year. On-site child care was initiated in 1998 for teens and other parents. Five teen fathers were involved in the program in 1998, and there are plans to increase this number, beginning with a father ?s group.

Description of Service Model:

Originally a home for unwed mothers, the program is continuing its emphasis on teen pregnancy prevention by operating within the context of a diverse umbrella organization that offers a continuum of over 35 programs directed toward strengthening families. The emphasis is on completion of education, increased effectiveness of parenting skills, increased personal esteem, and development of an occupational plan or path. PARTNERS began with a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant and is now a community-based service provider with case managers who work with teen parents in their homes, schools, and communities.

Fresh Start classes offer life skills and job readiness development to the community. Job search and development training sessions are offered to individuals and groups. Available also is a 15-week job training course to earn a day care associate certificate and the national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Evaluation Methods:

The program assesses its success through school attendance and performance, records indicating numbers of mothers employed, and pre and posttests for Fresh Start mothers and job search and development training participants.


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