Frequently Asked Questions: Teen Pregnancy

Teen parents face special challenges in juggling schoolwork with the demands of pregnancy and /or raising a child. Teen Parent Services (TPS) is designed to help young parents overcome obstacles that might keep them from earning a diploma, an important step in becoming self-sufficient adults.

I’m busy taking care of my baby. Why should I stay in school?
Having a high school diploma or GED certificate can help you be an even better parent than you’d be if you never finished school. Graduates stand a better chance of being able to give their children the things they need and want, because they usually make a lot more money than non-graduates do. The pride you’ll feel when you get your diploma will help both you and your baby to feel more confident. Being a student and a parent may not always be easy, but TPS is here to help you succeed.

How can TPS help me with school?
TPS can help you find and pay for reliable childcare. If lack of transportation keeps you from attending classes, TPS can provide pre-paid taxi vouchers or additional TANF funds for you to get to and from school. Teen Parent Services may provide required school supplies and textbooks, and pay for any required fees. In addition, you may qualify to earn valuable gifts each month just for attending school regularly.

What if I’ve already quit school?
TPS can work with you to help you find a school or GED program that’s right for you. Once you’re back in classes, you’ll be eligible for all the benefits of TPS.

How can TPS help me with parenting? Who will I work with if I join TPS?
The TPS program has its own Public Health Nurses dedicated to working
with young parents. She can help you with family health issues such as birth control, child development, relationships, and establishing paternity. The TPS nurse is available to answer questions and to refer you to any other resource you might need. She will track your progress in school, and help keep you on the path toward graduation.

I already have a Public Health Nurse. Will I still have one if I join TPS?
Yes, the nurse who has been taking care of you will still do so. Teen Parent Services is offered in addition to any other services you get from the health department.

How much does it cost to join TPS?
Teen Parent Services is free to qualified teens.

Where is the TPS office located?
The TPS nurse has a private office in the DuPage County Health Department building in Wheaton.

Will I have to go to the office for meetings?
In most cases you will have an appointment in the office when you first sign up for TPS. If you can’t come to the office, the TPS nurse can come to your home or make plans to meet you at school or another location. After you’re enrolled, the nurse will call you on the phone at least once each month to see how you’re doing and answer any questions you may have. In addition, you may call her or make appointments to see her as needed.

Who else will know what I tell the TPS nurse?
All information is confidential. The TPS nurse understands that your conversations may be of a personal nature. She has a private office, so you can talk openly with her.

What do your clients like best about being in TPS?
Lots of our teen parents have graduated; some have even gone on to college. Many of them say that they don’t think they would have done it without TPS. They say that of all the things TPS offers, the best thing was the feeling that the TPS nurse really expected them to succeed, and that they had a trusted adult to talk to.

Who can join TPS?
While teens who receive TANF are required to participate in TPS, teens receiving only medical coverage through KidCare may also take advantage of the program’s many benefits. In order to qualify, clients must:

• Be pregnant or parenting, and

• Be 19 years old or younger, and

• NOT yet have earned a high school diploma/GED certificate.
   
• Have a KidCare Assist medical card or be enrolled in FCM or WIC at the DuPage County Health Department.

TPS sounds like a great program. How do I sign up or get more information?
Call TPS at 682-7979, extension 7357.