If you’re currently (or were formerly) in the foster care system and are expectant, pregnant, or parenting, you know that balancing school, work, and other obligations while having a baby is challenging. But you don’t have to do it on your own. Use the information on this page to learn about government assistance, medical services, and parenting supports that may be available to support you and your family. These resources also share information on your rights as a parent. Ask your caseworker or another trusted adult for help if you need assistance navigating the resources or applying for services. The resources include State and local examples of programs that provide services and supports for expectant, pregnant, and parenting youth in foster care in specific locations across the country.
Becoming a Father
Young Men’s Health
Offers information about being a father and discusses the role of fathers, fathers’ rights, the responsibilities of caring for a child, and how to help during pregnancy. The webpage also links to parenting resources for new parents.
Expectant and Parenting Youth: Connecting You and Your Baby to the Resources You Need
Alliance for Children's Rights
Provides resources and support to expectant, pregnant, or parenting youth who are in foster care or were formerly in care.
Helping Pregnant and Parenting Teens Find Housing
Healthy Teen Network (2018)
Describes types of housing options for pregnant and parenting teens. These include maternity group homes, transitioning housing, and other housing alternatives.
I Think I’m Pregnant. Now What?
Planned Parenthood
Shares information for young parents about early pregnancy, pregnancy options, how to tell others about a pregnancy, and more.
Know Your Rights Guide: Chapter 15: Expectant and Parenting Youth
Pokempner (2020)
Juvenile Law Center
Presents guidance and answers to frequently asked questions about the legal rights of young parents in foster care.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Health Resources and Services Administration
Provides information on a free mental health hotline pregnant or parenting youth can call to receive confidential mental health support. The hotline offers access to counselors, resources, referrals to local providers and support groups, and more.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eligibility
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
Offers information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility and what the program provides.
WIC PreScreening Tool: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service
Presents a tool that caseworkers and others working with young parents can use to assess whether they are eligible to receive WIC benefits. Most young people may not be aware of this resource, so this is something an adult should help with. The tool takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
State and local examples
These resources provide examples of State and local programs that are working to support pregnant and parenting youth in foster care and their families. Use the following information to learn more about parenting, youth rights, and programs that can offer help in several locations across the country.
Expectant Parent and Parenting Support Hub: Resources for Parenting Foster Youth
California Department of Social Services
Links expectant, pregnant, and parenting youth in California with information on topics such as financial planning, health care, parent support, and resources for fathers.
For Young Parents
ShiftNC
Shares information on the rights of expectant, pregnant, and parenting youth in North Carolina who are in school. The resource offers information on where adolescent parents can access child care, support groups, financial benefits, and more.
Guidebook for Pregnant and Parenting Teens in Washington State Care (PDF - 1,229 KB)
Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (2019)
Offers information for expectant, pregnant, or parenting youth in foster care in the State of Washington.
Pregnancy and Parenting
Michigan Foster Youth in Transition
Shares resources for youth in foster care who are pregnant or parenting on healthy relationships, birth control, adoption, pregnancy, fatherhood, and more.
Teen Parenting
Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services
Offers information on supports for pregnant and parenting teens, especially those involved with child welfare services, in Los Angeles County, California.
Toolkits
Florida Institute for Child Welfare
Shares a collection of toolkits for youth in Florida that provide information on pregnancy, parenthood preparation, fatherhood, infant health, and more.