Skip to main content

Resources for Expectant and Parenting Youth

A doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to a pregnant person's belly during a prenatal checkup.

The State, County, and City have resources specifically designed to help pregnant and parenting youth set themselves - and their young children - up for success. Programs are designed to support both pregnant and expectant youth (e.g. mothers and fathers), unless otherwise noted. Review the eligibility criteria for each program to determine if you qualify.

Wraparound Services

The following programs work alongside you to assess your family’s needs and connect you with supportive services. 

Teen Parent Prosper Program

CIFD’s  Teen Parent Prosper program supports expectant or parenting youth between the ages of 14 and 19 to advance their education and attain part-time paid employment. The program also offers supportive services such as child care services, financial literacy training, and child development workshops. Enrollment is open through December 2025. To learn more and apply, email rande.smith@lacity.org.

Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP)

The AFLP is designed to support expectant and parenting youth navigate becoming parents. An example of AFLP is NATEEN, a program at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Case managers help teens and young adults set academic, employment, health, and financial goals and connect them to the resources they need to meet them. In Los Angeles County, AFLP is available in 4 locations. Services are free and confidential and are offered to youth up to age 21.

Cal-Learn

Cal-Learn is a program to help expectant and parenting youth finish high school. Often coupled with an Adolescent Family Life Program (above), youth are provided case managers, supportive services such as child care and transportation, and incentives for progress toward earning a high school diploma. Cal-Learn is available to expectant and parenting youth under the age of 19 who are receiving CalWORKs and who do not yet have a high school diploma or equivalent. To learn more, call LA County’s Department of Public Social Services or one of the AFLP programs. 

Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) Program 

The NFP program connects first-time pregnant people with registered nurses who conduct home visits to provide comprehensive health education services from the first trimester until the baby is 2 years of age. The program is free and voluntary and there are no immigration or health restrictions. Pregnant youth can be connected to a nurse through LA County’s Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Division or through LAUSD if they are enrolled full time in an LAUSD school. 

Educational Options for Pregnant and Parenting Teens

Pregnant, expectant, and parenting students have the same right to an education and responsibility to attend school as other students. You may stay in or return to your current school or explore specialized programs. The LAUSD Virtual Academy and Educational Options Program offers alternative school options that may be a good fit for expectant or parenting youth. 

Click on one of the boxes below to learn more!

City of Angeles School

City of Angeles School

An independent study school available for students in Los Angeles Unified School District. Students meet with their teacher each week and complete the majority of coursework on their own. Classes can be taken in-person or online. 

Continuation High Schools

Continuation High Schools

Provide students 16 years and older with individualized learning plans that include academic instruction and tutoring, scheduling flexibility, and guidance and counseling services.

Opportunity Schools

Opportunity Schools

Three of LAUSD’s Opportunity Schools - McAlister, Ramona, and Riley - specialize in supporting pregnant students. They offer classes required for graduation as well as special classes in birth preparation and parenting. Programs are open year-round for students in grades 6-12. Both McAlister and Riley High Schools have multiple sites and Ramona has an onsite infant center as part of the Cal-SAFE program (see below).

LAUSD also offers child care options for parenting youth during the school day. The California School Age Families Education (Cal-SAFE) program offers free child care for the infants and toddlers of parenting students. The program also provides additional supportive services for expectant and parenting students. Cal-SAFE infant centers are located on 4 campuses.

Foster Youth

There are many resources to support expectant or parenting youth who are under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Opportunities include:

Child Care

The Emergency Child Care Bridge program provides short-term (6-12 months) child care services for children ages 0-12 under DFCS supervision to families that are working or in school. A child care navigator will help you find and pay for immediate care and work with you to develop a plan for long-term child care.

Financial Assistance

California provides pregnant foster youth $900 per month for the 7th, 8th, and 9th month of pregnancy to purchase items or services that help you prepare for the birth of your baby. Your newborn baby may also be eligible for Infant Supplement payments. 

Whole Family Foster Homes

These homes provide out-of-home care to dependent youth and their children while helping them build parenting skills.  

Expectant and Parenting Youth Conferences

A voluntary gathering for expectant or parenting youth under the care of DCFS to discuss issues related to pregnancy and parenting. The conference helps expectant or new parents identify items and services that can set them up for success.

To find more information on these programs and other parenting resources, talk to your social worker or visit the LA County Department of Children and Family Services website for parenting teens. To learn more about the Emergency Child Care Bridge program, visit CCALA’s website.

Smiling baby lying on their side on a blue mat, wearing a cloud-patterned onesie and striped socks, with colorful toys in the background.

Need Help Finding Child Care?

Teen parents are eligible for the same types of child care programs as all parents. Visit our Understanding Child Care in Los Angeles and Finding Care pages to learn about the different types of child care programs and how to find the care that works best for you and your family.