 Teenage girls facing pregnancy—often without supportive partners or positive family role models—need love, instruction, and support to rebuild their own lives and assure the well-being of their children. Located near Manheim, the COBYS Teen Mother & Child Group Home serves up to six young women and their children in a residential setting designed to help teen moms learn and grow with their children in a safe and nurturing environment. Group home residents are referred by contracted county children and youth agencies and juvenile probation and parole agencies in Pennsylvania. (Referrals from other sources are not accepted.)
Group home residents benefit from these program components:
Education Residents further their education through the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School ("cyber school"), Manheim Central School District, or another more appropriate school setting.
Independent Living Skills Independent Living Skills is a primary component of the program. Residents work on a daily basis with staff on topics including housing, employment, transportation, community resources, emergency skills, money management, and health and hygiene. Staff model skills and help residents to make appointments and contact community resources. Some residents also participate in Independent Living Skills classes through their children and youth agencies.
Parenting Skills The development of strong, fundamental parenting skills is another key component of the group home program. Teen mothers carry out basic daily duties, such as completing chores, shopping, personal hygiene, and laundry, all while keeping children safe and occupied. Staff assist and model parenting techniques, assuring that children are safe in their mother's care. In addition, periodic parenting skills groups emphasize developing healthy emotional bonds, recognizing children's cues for nurturing and physical needs, and understanding developmental milestones.
Nutrition Skills Group home residents are assessed for basic nutrition knowledge and eating habits when they enter the program. Services are available to assist teens with any nutrition-related concerns, including infant/child nutrition, weight loss, and exercise. Residents assist with meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing meals.
Money Management During summer months, residents are encouraged to obtain employment in the community. COBYS staff assist residents in applying and interviewing for suitable jobs. The caseworker helps residents develop a goal plan for money management and open a savings account at a local bank.
Additional Services The caseworker assists teen mothers in meeting daily needs, completing weekly goal plans, and gaining self-sufficiency. Informal counseling is provided as needed. In addition, COBYS will assist in locating and transporting to specialized support services in the areas of drug and alcohol recovery, sexual assault counseling, and other concerns. |
