Teen pregnancy/mother boarding home?

Question

One of the posts the other day really struck a chord with me. I was up til 7am just lying in bed trying to come up with ideas of how I could help. Here's what I'm thinking.

There are very few homes out there that strictly serve young mothers and there are even fewer that aren't geared for adoption. What would it take for me to open a boarding home for young mothers that emphasizes parenting and only offers adoption as a last resort?

I think there are so many benefits to this idea. It would give young mothers a safe place to be and to learn about all their options as well as get support and love from others like her.

There would be home school and fun activities. This would NOT be a place to hide pregnant teens, we would get out in the community, build their self respect show them that they are still wonderful people.

I've worn many shoes through out my life and feel I could really help these girls and have a lot to offer in the way of life experience. What do you think?

Answer 1

I think that you have a loving idea.

Some of the shame homes of the past (I think mostly Catholic) have finally figured out that beating women over the head with the "loving option" of adoption is not an effective way to prevent abortion.  Instead they have realized that the most effective way to prevent abortion is to support parenting.  Duh!!

My husband and I support a former "shame home" that has converted its services to health care and day care for low income families and a residence for teen moms which focuses on parenting skills, education, and job training.   Adoption is frowned upon and used as a last resort to provide a family for a child.

If I may offer some constructive criticism for your wonderful idea?   Yes, build their self respect and show them that they are still wonderful people but also show that they have the potential to be wonderful mothers.   Sometimes all it takes is one person to motivate a young person to be a wonderful parent.

Answer 2

I think it sounds like a great idea.  I'm sure there would be some state licensing issues to deal with, but I have no idea where to start.

Answer 3

This is a great idea... I would like to add to Tish's comment. They are also going to need housing resources for when they are ready to leave and be on their own with their baby. HUD, Section 8 or whatever is available. I know in our community there is a program specifically for homeless teens and young adults, ages 16 - 21.

I am sure there are probably a ton of grants that you could apply for to help with the costs.

With all of the schools that have been closing around the country, maybe you could find an old school building to rent and turn each "classroom" into mini apartments for 3 - 4 moms.

Answer 4

To get the funding to help with this, try being a foster parent who specializes in pregnant teens.  It will take some training, and possibly, your state might have grants.  Be careful though, as that is a lot of responsibility to take on, and I wish you the best!

Answer 5

we actually have one of these in Portland, Oregon and girls come from all over the United states. They help the mother with whatever decision they come up with and fully support them. It's called Bethany's House. We also have one in Vancouver, Wa that is just across the river in Portland, Oregon. HOpe that helps the director that was there was super nice she has since left Bethany's house and so some things have changed. Good luck with your endeavor. Just F.Y. adoption is not a bad thing I get tired of people thinking it is and not supporting the moms who choose adoption.

Answer 6

That sounds like a great idea. How generous and thoughtful of you! I hope u succeed

Answer 7

I think it's a fantastic idea.  All great things start out as an idea or a dream.  Yours is a great one.  If it's important enough to you, you will find the way to make it happen.  I really do think there would be tremendous support for a place like that.  Adoptees, First Moms, Adoptive Moms, (Oops! Didn't mean to leave out dads!)  all of those whose lives have been impacted by adoption would be great resources for counselling, and just for volunteering to help out in lots of ways.  Parenting classes, counselling, home schooling.  Wow, the list could go on and on with things that could be done to help these young mothers.  I hope this is something that works out for you.

Answer 8

A few ladies from church and I are trying to open a shelter for pregnant teens.  It is more difficult than I imagined and takes lots of money just to get it started (legal fees, home, etc).  I think its a wonderful idea, obviously.  But, I just don't want you to get too excited and be let down.  It will be hard work...don't give up!  I have been so excited to get this running.  My daughter is even envolved.  I was a pregnant teen living in a shelter.  I feel its my turn to repay the world for all that they helped me with.  

For those that are against "supporting teen pregnancy":  The home that I stayed at supported 11 girls.  Out of the 11 girls, 6 of them were pregnant by their father/step fathers.

Answer 9

I agree and would support this 100% I my Sel was a teen mother at 15 .Thankful I had a very supportive family.But Not all girls is as lucky as I was.These days More Girls are giving Birth and leaving there baby in a trash can or on someones door step or do the Abortion thing,Wich I am 100% against it.

Answer 10

Good luck! All great things start with an idea. You have a great idea

Answer 11

That's a great idea.

I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 12

there is a home of this type in some major cities.  unfortunately, it's connected with DHS or social services for delinquent or court-appointed pregnant girls. but i think you are looking to serve young women who are not necessarily court-appointed or delinquent... am i right?

here's what i think you'll need...

-a home.  one that can house a number of girls and babies safely.  perferrably one this is either rehabed or new construction (lead paint is a  risk in most older homes.)

-a city permit.  

-a non-profit status by the IRS. it will help with seeking funding.

-staff with the credentials in child development, maternal and child health, et al.

-collaboration with local ob/gyn and family planning services to assist the young women with prenatal care and birth control.

-collaboration with local pediatricians, to provide care for the babies.

-collaboration with social services.  this will help with referrals, and getting the girls hooked up with WIC, medicaid, foodstamps and other services. you may also need to collaborate with them to deal with any custody issues, guardianship issues or emacipation issues so that you and your staff can intervene on the girls' behalf if the parents are unable.

-collaboration with mental health or counseling services.  this will help with developing parenting skills, life skills, addressing some underlying issues which led to the unintended pregnancy, preventing a subsequent pregnancy; and helping them deal with the stress of a newborn.

-collaboration with education, job training, GED, career counseling, tutoring and college preg services. this will help to keep the girls in school, or further their education.

that's all i got right now...  this is not an exhaustive list, but i think it might be a start.

ETA: ladydi... d**n!  approximately 55% of the girls were there due to incest?  that's sad.

Answer 13

That sounds pretty cool :)

I think you'd probably need at least a few different licenses to start with. It would depend on the state you were in I suppose. But I'd guess you'd need something like foster care license, plus something similar to whatever license people need to operate a group home,etc.

Also funding obviously- for daily expenses for the building and care of the girls, medical care/insurance coverage, liability insurance, pay for employees if you had any, counselors, etc.

It sounds like a wonderful thing to do but it could get very complicated to do it properly/legally. I'm not sure where exactly you would start- maybe social services would have some info to start with, they usually handle those types of licenses. Then once you figured out what it would take legally/bureaucratically you could start looking for funding? Good luck, I hope it does work out in real life:)