Transitional Living Services

The state of Texas currently has the second highest rate of teen pregnancy in the nation. In the greater Houston area approximately 5,000 young women ages 15-19 gave birth in 2001. Nearly 80% of unmarried teen mothers end up on welfare and remain on public assistance for extended periods while raising their children. The children of teen parents make up more than 65% of the referrals for suspected child abuse and neglect primarily due to lack of basic needs and preparation for parenting. Teen parents face many risk factors including school drop out, minimal job skills, and homelessness.

Providing Indepenence
The Prevention Department’s Transitional Living Program offers teen parents and young homeless families an opportunity to become financially and physically independent while creating a healthy and stable environment for their children. The program offers a three-step program that bridge homelessness to independence.
 
First Step
The first step of the Transitional Living program offers a structured living environment for young homeless families to stabilize and establish goals for the future. Families are individually assessed to create a path to succeed. Through individual and group counseling young parents are offered coping skills and support for the challenges of independent living and parenthood. Education and career goals are established to encourage sustained future financial independence. Family life education and basic life skills are offered to parents to create a healthy and nurturing environment for the family unit.
 
Second Step
The second step of the Transitional Living program is the beginning of independent living for young parents. Once a program participant has established stability and has attained job skills they are offered an opportunity to live in an off site location in the community that will eventually become their family’s home. Participants continue to work on a variety of skills including job training, parent education, and basic life skills.
 
Third Step
The third step of the Transitional Living program is the final step to independent living for young families. Program participants that have progressed to permanent and stable employment begin to take on responsibilities including rent and establishing a personal savings account while reducing their dependence on the program and outside resources. Successful completion of the program includes a follow up program for up to one year.
 
Qualification for Services
The Transitional Living program is open to homeless young parents ages 18-23 with custody of their child/children living in the greater Houston area.
 
Referrals
For referrals to this program contact us at 713-730-2335 or info@depelchin.org.