Vera Casey Teen Parenting Program

The Vera Casey Teen Parenting Program works with pregnant teens in order to provide and coordinate comprehensive services supporting a healthy pregnancy, healthy children, and the well-being of the whole family. The program works to facilitate the well-being and self-sufficiency of teen parents using a holistic approach that is predicated on the belief that when student parents are healthy and feel well, and have quality child care for their children, they perform better academically. The program serves pregnant and parenting teen mothers and fathers under age 19 who attend any Berkeley Public School. Program components include case management services, which links medical, psychological and social services, the school environment, and childcare and development services; a weekly Parenting Class for academic credit which is co-facilitated by Public Health and Mental Health staff; and free childcare and child development services at the Vera Casey Center while the student parents are in school or extracurricular activities. The program is free and also assists with re-enrolling teen parents not attending school.

The goal of the Vera Casey Teen Parenting Program is to promote healthy teen parents and children by providing and coordinating comprehensive services supporting a healthy pregnancy, healthy children, and the well-being of the whole family.

The program has currently has two offices, one of which is located at Berkeley High School. The program provides needed support to about 30 teen parents and their children every year.