About the program
At Boston Children’s Hospital, we understand that becoming a parent is full of challenges even in the best of circumstances. Those challenges are even greater for teen parents. Our Young Parents Program (YPP) is a special clinic dedicated to working with teen mothers and fathers from low-income and at-risk environments. Started in 1980, we have three decades of experience is serving teen-led families.
The YPP consists of physicians, social workers, nurses and nurse practitioners who have years of experience working with urban parents, adolescents and children. We understand the medical, social and developmental issues of adolescence and early childhood. The YPP also:
provides primary medical care (including health screening and immunizations), counseling and health education to teen parents and their children
teaches positive parenting skills, attitudes and behaviors
encourages teen parents to make proactive, smart decisions as they become adults
makes sure teen parents’ children are exposed to healthy development and growth through the critical first years
helps young parents find housing and complete school
creates healthy social activities and programs to bring teen parents together
Who we serve
We work with teen mothers and fathers from low-income and at-risk environments that have the highest rates of pregnancies and the greatest risk of poor birth outcomes.
Our vision
The vision of the Young Parents Program is that all families will have comprehensive and compassionate health care that empowers, educates, and supports families towards a successful future.
Our mission
The mission of the Young Parents Program is to provide a family-centered medical home with excellent primary care, behavioral health, case management, and parenting resources to teens and their children. We are committed to creating a non-judgmental, supportive community where families access innovative, evidence-based, flexible care. Our goal is empowering parents in making healthy, informed choices for themselves and their children as they transition into adulthood.