Parent Linking Program
There is a growing local and national concern about the pervasive and enduring social, economic and educational consequences of teenage pregnancy. Teenage mothers are at greater risk of socioeconomic disadvantage throughout their lives than those who delay childbearing until their twenties. PCA-NJ provides free school-based services for teen parents statewide which includes: child care, parenting education courses, parent-child interaction groups, life skills training, individual counseling, crisis intervention, computer literacy/job skills training and intensive case management. We also provide groups on practical life skills such as how to properly complete college applications and creating and implementing effective job search plans.
In exchange for free child care, the program participants are required to attend the weekly workshops in addition to the normal academic curriculum required for graduation. These components prevent present and future child abuse and neglect by enhancing the teenage parent’s self-esteem, knowledge of parenting and child development, and ability to meet financial responsibilities by helping the teen parent complete high school and delay repeat pregnancies.
The child care centers are housed in or near the sponsoring high schools. The centers provide quality child care services during school hours to parents in the high school who are enrolled in the Parent Linking Program; daily transportation for both parent and child to and from the school; two meals and a snack for toddlers, formula and diapers for infants; a fully developed curricula to address the developmental needs of the infant/toddler; opportunity to visit and interact with their children during lunch hour or free period; and regular parent conferences with the child care center staff to keep the parents up to date on their child’s progress. 95% of the teen parents enrolled in Parent Linking Program have graduated high school, 90% planned to attend college and 98% have not had a second pregnancy.
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Employment / TrainingFamily & Support Services |
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Last Updated: 05/05/24
Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey (PCA-NJ)
Founded in 1979, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey is dedicated to promoting family wellness, positive parenting, healthy child development and nurturing communities. Our evidence-based programs prevent child abuse and neglect in all forms for all NJ children.