100762: Teen Living Programs for Young Mothers Receiving Welfare

About the Course:

Changes in welfare programs are likely to have several important effects on populations served by social workers. While most attention has addressed the work requirement and time limits imposed by welfare reform, other aspects of the legislation also require attention. Living requirement legislation for teen parents receiving welfare has led the state of Massachusetts to develop Teen Living Programs (TLPs). TLPs are residential programs that allow teen parents to fulfill the living requirement when they are unable to live in the home of a parent or adult guardian. Data collected during program site visits to report on the implementation of the programs are used in this paper. This report identifies and analyzes issues related to service delivery that may be useful to social workers, policy makers, and program developers interested in supporting adolescent mothers affected by living requirement legislation. Analysis includes discussion of programming and staff, standardization of services, flexibility and individualized services, the residential model, and limitation of the program response. COURSE SYLLABUS I. Program Goals II. Organizational Structure III. Program Components IV. Program Completion and Outcomes V. Conclusion

Publication Date:

2003/ Vol. 84, No. 1

Authors

Mary Elizabeth Collens, PhD; Joyce West Stevens PhD, DSW; Terry S. Lane, MSS

About the Authors:

Boston University School of Social Work

Boston University School of Social Work

Co-Director, The Boston Foundation

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other human services and behavioral health professionals who seek knowledge about teen mothers. It is appropriate for participants with all levels of knowledge about the topic.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify aspects of program completion and program outcomes.

2. Describe program goals, organizational structure and program, components of Teen Living Programs.