When I first joined Healthy Teen Network in March 2022, my first project was to “create stories about young parents that can affect policy change.”

Wow, I thought, a huge undertaking.

I had learned about the power of storytelling in my graduate program, and I have seen the impact of personal stories in the advocacy space firsthand, but I had always been the reader, watcher, and listener of these stories. However, to be on the other side, to turn real-life stories with all their nuances and complexities, into something that can tangibly improve policies and impact governance? I had to admit—I was slightly paralyzed.

We started the project by interviewing a caring, big-hearted young parent named Bella. Their lived experience as a young mother navigating homelessness was extremely layered and their challenges, real and present. At our first meeting, they called us from their car, struggling not to get evicted from their current housing. They powerfully and vulnerably shared their journey, challenges, and hopes and dreams with us. We were left speechless, listening to how unjust, discriminatory, homophobic, and broken the care system is.

We turned to human-centered design to guide us, as we attempted to package such complex stories into digestible content in an accessible format, so that policymakers and advocates could use these stories to push for services that better support young parents and foster youth. To help us create these stories, we dove deep into academic research, storytelling tool kits, policy frameworks, and language strategies—all while relying on the honest feedback from our young parents, our on-the-ground advocacy partners, and our staff to drive our work.

We learned many lessons throughout the process, but here are six that I value the most from developing these stories.

Don’t expect to change the world with a single story.

This may sound obvious, but learning to temper my expectations, and keeping this in the back of my head, kept me going. The aim for this project, and for most stories for that matter, is to open minds and hearts, and to start conversations. When conversations happen, culture can start to shift, and that’s when policies can begin to change. As Marya Bangee said at the SSIR’s Nonprofit Management Institute, “Cultural change precedes policy change. When we neglect the cultural element, our political wins are more vulnerable.”

Be flexible with structure.

Every story has a beginning, a middle, and an end; a plot, a conflict, and a resolution. There are different ways to “arrange” these building blocks into a story, each resulting in a different narrative. There’s the famous Pixar framework, the Hero’s journey, Rags to Riches—the list goes on. Our team spent some time plotting our young parents’ stories using these tried-and-true frameworks, iterating on various permutations to find the most compelling narrative. In the end, while the story frameworks helped get us started, we learned that there is no perfect story arc. In true human-centered design fashion, we let the process guide us, and we created a final narrative that didn’t neatly fall into these pre-existing story structures. And that’s 100% okay.

Trust the process, while knowing when to pivot.

The core principle of the human-centered design approach is to place the people we are designing with at the center of the process. While deciding on the format of these young parents’ stories, we had a hunch that a traditional storybook, in its physical format, would allow readers to reminisce their childhood experience and be connected on a deeper level with the young parents in the stories. However, after gaining more insights from our young parents, we discovered that a digital format would be most accessible, desirable, and viable for both young parents and policy advocates. We trusted the process, used these Design Principles as our north stars, and were able to pivot from our early-stage prototypes. (After all, prototypes serve that exact purpose of ensuring that our products are usable!)

Aim for the heart.

Some of the best stories out there allow us to tap into the deepest parts of ourselves, make meaning in our own lives, and empathize with people we’ve never met. Focus on the emotional aspect, yet use emotions with intention. Don’t use sadness and fear tactic narratives as the end-all-be-all—we feel so much more than sadness. As Samantha Wright and Annie Neimand said, ”different emotions lead people to do different things.” Finding ways for our audience to identify with a character in our stories can make it more meaningful. 

Leave things between the lines.

We don’t have to try to include every single detail, insight, challenge, systemic factor, and call-to-action in our narrative. Some things are better left unsaid—there’s an art to leaving parts of a story open for the audience’s interpretation, allowing them to ‘fill in the blanks’ and participate in the creation of the story. “You don’t have to tell the reader what it all means. You don’t have to raise difficult questions. The people reading, watching, or hearing your story will find plenty to think about if your story is crafted carefully,” said Dinty Moore in his book The Truth of the Matter: The Art and Craft in Creative Nonfiction. Moreover, the use of powerful imagery can also elaborate more on what can’t be said in words.

As designers, facilitators, and professionals, we owe it to young people to cultivate a safe and healing-centered, trauma-informed environment for them to share their story, which means always prioritizing their well-being and ensuring that they have agency over their own narrative.

Sharing stories can be healing in and of itself

In addition to the impact that stories can create for the audience, stories can also be healing for the storyteller. There are numerous scientific and anecdotal evidences of the healing power of sharing and taking control of your narrative. “Storytelling allows a space for one to empathize with [themselves], as a step to gradually empathizing and finding a verse to add with the world around them…Young people are shifting mindsets away from being passive consumers of a world in constant change, and discovering their capacities for being active creators of a new narrative of the self,” said Mohsin Mohi Ud Din, Founder of #MeWeSyria. As designers, facilitators, and professionals, we owe it to young people to cultivate a safe and healing-centered, trauma-informed environment for them to share their story, which means always prioritizing their well-being and ensuring that they have agency over their own narrative.

I think of Bella, Lucero, and Carmen’s stories while moving through my work and my life. I think of their hopes and dreams—for themselves and for other young parents—and how the current systems get in the way of achieving their dreams. I hope that their stories touch the hearts and lives of other advocates in a way that they did mine.

To learn more about their stories, visit the Young Parents Stories.

PHOTO CREDIT: Illustration by Tony Midi

Patricia is a curious learner who loves to ask questions and find patterns. If you look closer, you might see a literal light bulb above Patricia’s head when she sees a connection or realizes something in her research. Patricia loves using those insights to co-create changes— big or small— that make the world a better place. Having grown up in three different countries, Patricia sees the world differently and always makes time for travel. In her free time, Patricia can be found browsing offbeat Airbnbs or walking her sweet, black cat on a leash (yep —it’s one of Patricia’s proudest accomplishments). Read more about Patricia.

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January 29, 2021

If you are 18 to 26 years old, currently parenting a child, and were in foster care around age 17, or have “aged-out” of foster care, we want to hear from you!

We’re now enrolling for a new research project to better understand the needs of parents during times of COVID-19.

Text the word STORIES to 313131.

Participate virtually.

Get compensated.

$50 or $95 provided depending on how you decide to participate.

There are many ways you can participate virtually from the comfort of your home.

A compensation of $50 or $95 will be provided depending on how you decide to participate.

Interested?

Let us know by emailing Genevieve [ a t ] HealthyTeenNetwork.org or texting the word STORIES to 313131. 

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We’d love for you to help us spread the word about this project. Please share this flyer or our posts on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

This study has been approved by Montclair State University Institutional Review Board, study #IRB-FY20-21-1963.

Principal investigators:

Svetlana Shpiegel, Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy, Montclair State University

Elizabeth Aparicio, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland.

At Healthy Teen Network, we believe that every young person has a right to live their authentic sexuality. And we see you, the professionals and caring adults, helping them do this. We know you do your best when you’re connected to great opportunities and resources. That’s why we’re here…to help make those connections and support you. Read more about us.

The post Were you in foster care? appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

Are you a young person who is pregnant or parenting and looking for supportive housing and/or other support services?

Safety Alert: When accessing any website, remember that computer activity can be monitored. It might be safer to call, text, or use a computer at a library, community center, or trusted friend’s house.

Safety Alert: When accessing any website, remember that computer activity can be monitored. It might be safer to call, text, or use a computer at a library, community center, or trusted friend’s house.

The Transitional Living Program (TLP)

The Transitional Living Program (TLP) provides homeless youth with stable, safe living accommodations for up to 21 months. The TLP provides services to help young people develop skills necessary to move to independence and life as healthy, productive adults. These services are provided through more than 191 community-based residential centers. The program also helps homeless youths improve basic life and interpersonal skills, provides educational opportunities, assists with job preparation and attainment, and ensures the physical and mental health care needs are met. Additionally, these programs offer parenting skills to young people who are pregnant or parenting to become a more effective parent. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be between the ages of 16 and 22 and you must either be homeless or live in a shelter.

• Call: 1-800-621-4000
• Click: acf.hhs.gov/fysb/programs/runaway-homeless-youth/programs/transitional-living 
• Check if you may be eligible for the Transitional Living Program.

Chafee Foster Care Independent Living Program

The Chafee Foster Care Independent Living Program assists states and localities in establishing and carrying out programs designed to assist foster youth likely to remain in foster care until 18 years of age and youth who have left foster care because they attained 18 years of age, to make the transition from foster care to independent living. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be under the age of 19 years and a current foster care recipient who is likely to remain in foster care, or you must be under the age of 22 years and a former foster care recipient.

• Call: 1-918-660-3700
• Click: nrcys.ou.edu
• Check if you may be eligible for the Chafee Foster Care Independent Living Program.

National Runaway Safeline

The National Runaway Safeline helps young people locate the runaway and homeless youth basic center nearest them.

• Call: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2829)
• Click: 1800runaway.org
• Text: 66008

Public Housing Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides housing assistance through the public housing program, which is limited to low-income families and individuals. A housing agency (HA) determines your eligibility based on: 1) annual gross income; 2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with a disability, or as a family; and 3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you are eligible, the HA will check your references to make sure you and your family will be good tenants. HAs will deny admission to any applicant whose habits and practices may be expected to have a detrimental effect on other tenants or on the project’s environment.

HAs use income limits developed by HUD. HUD sets the lower income limits at 80% and very low income limits at 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which you choose to live. Income limits vary from area to area so you may be eligible at one HA but not at another. The HA serving your community can provide you with the income levels for your area and family size, or you can also find the income limits here on the internet.

• Find your local housing agency to apply for public housing.
• If you have trouble finding your local housing agency, contact your local field office.

loveisrespect

loveisrespect helps young people learn about healthy relationships and dating violence. They can connect you with resources in your area and help you create a plan to stay safe. Their services are confidential.

• Call: 1-888-331-9474
• Click: loveisrespect.org
• Text: “loveis” to 22522

 National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse.

• Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Click: thehotline.org

 National Human Trafficking Hotline

The National Human Trafficking Hotline helps victims and survivors of human trafficking throughout the United States. They can talk to you about your rights and options and refer you to services in your area. You don’t have to give your name.

• Call: 1-888-373-7888
• Click: humantraffickinghotline.org
• Text: “Help” to 233733 (BeFree)

 National Clearinghouse on Homeless Youth and Families (NCHYF)

For more information about youth programs and services, contact the National Clearinghouse on Homeless Youth and Families (NCHYF), a national resource for organizations that support runaway and homeless youth and their families with programs and services.

• Click: rhyclearinghouse.acf.hhs.gov/about 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, in order to qualify for welfare assistance, young parents usually must be living with a parent or guardian. However, for young parents who have applied for TANF aid who have no parents, legal guardian, or other appropriate adult relative that allow the young parents to live with them, or in a case where a state agency has determined that it is not in the youth’s best interest to live with his or her parent or legal guardian, the state must provide or assist the child in locating a Second Chance Home, maternity home, or other appropriate adult-supervised living arrangement.

• Check if you may be eligible for TANF.
• Looking for help for yourself or your families?  Find more information about TANF in your state or territory online.
• Click: acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/programs/tanf

Child Care Assistance

The Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) helps agencies provide child care assistance for low- income families who are working or attending training/education. State contacts for this funding stream are provided through the Administration for Children and Families, Child Care Bureau.  In some States, families can apply by telephone or mail. In many communities there also are child care resource and referral agencies that can provide information about how to apply for child care assistance. A list of child care resource and referral agencies is available from Child Care Aware.

• Call: 1-800-424-2246 to locate an agency near you
• Click: childcareaware.org
• See a list of state and territory contacts to find out more about child care assistance in your state.

Contact the Head Start or Early Head Start agency serving your community. Your local Head Start agency will provide the required forms and answer questions about the program. The local agency will also help you find the Head Start Center closest to your home.

• To find a local Head Start or Early Head Start program to contact in your area, use the on-line national Head Start Program Search Tool.

Social Services

The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) provides facilities with support for planning and operating costs; parenting and life skills classes; child care; job training and placement; counseling; case management; follow-up services. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must characterize your financial situation as low income. Each State determines what services to support and which populations to serve, and can refocus their SSBG expenditures over time as their populations’ needs change.

• Call: 1-202-401-5281
• Click: acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/programs/ssbg 
• State contacts for this funding stream are provided through the Social Services Block Grant webpage.
• Check if you may be eligible for the Social Services Block Grant benefit.

Make a Plan for Your Healthy Future with Volt20

Where you live is an important component of your healthy future. People need a place to sleep, to store food, to keep their belongings, to study outside of school, to relax after work, and to keep out of harm’s way. Volt20 is an online resource to help you make a plan for your healthy future, and housing is just one part of that plan. Check out Volt20 for resources on housing, and many other related topics.

• Click: Volt20.com

Gina Desiderio, MA, is Director of Communications for Healthy Teen Network and oversees all of our communications and dissemination. Working here has only sometimes prepared Gina for spontaneous sex-positive conversations with her two young sons. Read more about Gina.

The post How to Find Housing and Services for Young People Who Are Pregnant or Parenting appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.

April 18, 2018

In 2002, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the U.S. Department of Justice estimated that there are 1,682,900 homeless and runaway youth under eighteen years of age in the United States. Of this number, anywhere from 6 to 22% are pregnant. This means that there could potentially be almost 400,000 homeless and pregnant young women in this country.

For pregnant and parenting youth who are currently homeless or lack adequate housing options, there are various programs through local governments and private organizations that can provide housing and other services. Incorporating these programs into advocacy efforts is a great way to help address homelessness among adolescent parents in the United States today.

Being aware of the federal, state, and private programs put in place can largely help these teens and their children.

Beyond providing shelter, housing programs provide the opportunity to offer many complementary resources and services for youth. Healthy Teen Network and Child Trends developed two resources on the core components of supportive housing—one resource defining and detailing what the core components include and a related report on findings from the field based on a national survey, phone interviews, and case studies. Articulating core components based on what we know ensures success among pregnant and parenting teens utilizing supportive housing services that embrace them and helps set a standard for the field. The identification of the core components provides guidance for supportive housing programs to meet the needs of pregnant and parenting teens by providing the supports and resources needed to help them succeed. Two types of supportive housing for pregnant and parenting teens include:

Maternity Group Homes

The most widespread option for homeless young mothers or families is maternity group homes, also known as Second Chance Homes. Maternity group homes are adult-supervised, supporting group homes or apartment clusters for adolescent parents and their children who cannot live at home because of abuse, neglect, or other extenuating circumstances. These homes provide access to services such as child care, health care, transportation, counseling, education, job training, and employment assistance. Find out if there is a maternity group home in your state, chat, email, or call the National Runaway Safeline (1-800-RUNAWAY).

Transitional Housing

Many states have laws establishing transitional housing for adolescents. These transitional housing programs range from emergency short-term housing that includes shelter and at least one meal a day to more comprehensive programs that provide rental assistance, career training, and educational assessment and referrals to educational programs.

Other programs that support pregnant and parenting teens secure adequate housing include :

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, in order to qualify for welfare assistance, young parents usually must be living with a parent or guardian. However, for young parents who have applied for TANF aid who have no parents, legal guardian, or other appropriate adult relative that allow the young parents to live with them, or in a case where a state agency has determined that it is not in the youth’s best interest to live with his or her parent or legal guardian, the state must provide or assist the child in locating a Second Chance Home, maternity home, or other appropriate adult-supervised living arrangement.

Extended Support for Foster Youth

Federal and state laws also provide assistance with housing and other necessities to young people who have “aged out” of foster care, i.e., people who have reached the age of majority in their state, which is usually 18 years old.

Young parents who are homeless or whose family home is no longer a safe or healthy option may also be involved with child protective services.

Remember, most homeless pregnant and parenting teens are scared and just need someone to listen and advocate for their well-being. Being aware of the federal, state, and private programs put in place can largely help these teens and their children.

What are your success stories working with homeless pregnant or parenting teens?

Please note: Healthy Teen Network shares these resources, but does not offer direct services or support for pregnant or parenting teens. Please visit the sites above for more information.

At Healthy Teen Network, we believe that every young person has a right to live their authentic sexuality. And we see you, the professionals and caring adults, helping them do this. We know you do your best when you’re connected to great opportunities and resources. That’s why we’re here…to help make those connections and support you. Read more about us.

The post Helping Pregnant and Parenting Teens Find Housing appeared first on Healthy Teen Network.