Massachusetts Teen Parent Programs

Young Parent GED Program (YPP)

• YPP is the only alternative educational setting designed for expectant and parenting adolescents on welfare who are required to be in school full-time.
• Can also include teen parents under 18 who are ineligible for TAFDC due to “grandparent deeming”
• Teen parents receive education leading to a high school diploma or GED, job skills training, job placement assistance, and access to parenting classes, counseling and family planning.
• Teen parents between the ages of 14-21 can enroll and can remain in program until age 22.
• Administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance

Teen Parent Child Care (TPCC)

• TPCC provides quality childcare, parent mentoring and support services.
• Pregnant and parenting teens under 20 can enroll. Teens may stay in program at age 20 if parenting or have special needs.
• Administered by the Department of Early Education and Care

Teen Living Shelter Program (TLP)

• Programs provide over homeless teen parent families with safe housing and clinical services to promote progress toward independent living.
• Must be eligible for TAFDC (i.e. parenting or within 120 days of due date and low income)
• Pregnant and parenting girls 13-19 years old can enroll. If enrolled before 20, can stay until no longer in need of TLP services. Teen dads may be eligible for non-shelter services.
• Administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Children and Families.
• Apply by going to your local Department of Transitional Assistance Office, which you can look up here.

Young Parent Support Program (YPS)

• Community programs across Massachusetts provide intensive counseling and case management for young parents at highest risk of abuse and neglect
• YPS serves young parents 13 to 23 years old with mental health, trauma, and homelessness issues. YPS enables young parents to meet their responsibilities as parents, students and employees.
• YPS fills the gap in the tapestry of young parent services, helping teens with intensive needs who may not be eligible anywhere else.
• Administered by the Department of Children and Families

Healthy Families

• Healthy Families provides home-visiting and parenting skills for first-time teen parents.
• Pregnant and parenting teens 20 or under can enroll. If parenting, can only have one child under 1 year old to enroll. Can receive services until child turns 3.
• Administered by The Department of Early Education and Care

Massachusetts Pregnant and Parenting Teen Initiative (MPPTI)

• Programs are in Chelsea, Holyoke, Lawrence, New Bedford and Springfield.
• Each city has a multidisciplinary team operating out of schools and community-based organizations. The goals of MPPTI are to provide expectant and parenting teens with wrap-around services to promote graduation from high school or GED attainment, delay second pregnancy and ensure teen parents’ children are on track for healthy development.
• Administered by the Department of Public Health. Funded by a three year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Health.

For more information, please contact Liz Peck: 617.482.9122 x101, epeck@massteenpregnancy.org