Teen Parents Programs

Successful parenting teen self-sufficiency programs,
especially designed for young men and women
who are 22 years old and younger

The city of Phoenix operates two programs designed to help young parents handle personal and family responsibilities.

Young Families CAN

Young Families CAN (Comprehensive Assistance Network) began in 1987 as a partnership between the city of Phoenix Human Services Department and the Arizona Department of Economic Security. The partners’ goal was to identify and remove barriers to self-sufficiency for single teen mothers enrolled in Arizona’s welfare system. In 1990, Young Families CAN became part of DES Jobs, a program to assist families receiving TANF cash assistance to obtain education and employment. Young Families CAN has been expanded to also serve teen mothers at risk of receiving TANF cash assistance.

 

STEP-UP
STEP-UP (Skills, Training, Education, Employment Program for Unemployed Male Parents) began in 1990. In September 1994, the program was selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as one of four national programs to be replicated. The city now has assumed the funding to continue the program. It is unique in that it addresses the needs of teenage fathers by addressing the young fathers' responsibility to become self-sufficient and share the burden of support and parenting of their children.

 

---

Who is eligible

Young fathers and mothers who are

• 22 years and younger and live in the city of Phoenix
• having difficulty handling parenting responsibilities
• having problems finding employment or continuing their education

---

Young Families CAN and STEP-UP Young Father Program assist teen parents with the following services:

• Employment Services – help the young parent learn how to conduct himself/herself in an interview, how to get and keep a job, as well as help in obtaining employment.
• Case Management Services – assist in identifying and resolving problems, and motivate the young parent to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Attainment and Coordination of Resources – meet basic needs, including food, clothing, housing, temporary financial assistance and transportation until employment is obtained.
• Accessing Educational Resources – G.E.D., community colleges and other educational services and programs.
• Individual and Group Self-Help Counseling – provide guidance with communication skills, winning attitudes, conflict resolution, parent responsibilities and parenting skills.
• Assistance with establishing paternity and child support – help fathers to understand the benefits to both parent and child.
• Special Events – Family Picnic, and Father’s Day and Mother’s Day Awards Recognition events.

---

How services have changed lives

“Helped me believe in myself that I can do it.”

“They affected my life by showing how to set my goals and complete them.”

“Helped me realize my role as a father.”

“Helped me learn what being a Dad is all about. They gave me encouragement and motivation to go on.”

“I am bettering myself by getting my GED so my daughter can have a mom with some sort of education and she can have what she needs and wants."

“Helped me to better the quality of life I provide for my children.”

“I got a lot of options and encouragement and a whole lot of support.”

---

For more information, contact:

STEP-UP Young Fathers
Young Families CAN
Travis L. Williams Family Services Center
4732 S. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85040
602-495-7522/voice
602-534-2785/fax
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday