• Teen Pregnancy
     
    Young women who plan to give birth should seek medical care as soon as possible during the pregnancy. Medical care is essential for both the health of the baby and the mother.  Proper vitamins in the early weeks of pregnancy prevents certain birth defects.
     
    High-school students need to work with their districts regarding their academic futures. Some districts provide home instruction while others support a entirely separate program such as Erie 1 Boces FINISH proram located at Dexter Terrace.  The goal of this kind of program is high school graduation by using expanded resources from the alternative programs which are housed in the same complex. Transportation for young mothers and their babies is provided (home/school/daycare). Students can speak with their high school counselors about their options.   
     
    Planned Parenthood Health Center offers medical services, counseling, support, education and other help on any issue related to topics regarding pregnancy, birth, male sexual health, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), birth control, emergency contraception, abortion, female health and many other related issues.  Walk-in clinics as well as appointments are offered at various locations.  To find Planned Parenthood Centers near you, type in your zip code and click on "go".  A list of the closest health centers with contact information will appear. 
    Teenagers Health Care & The Law   Look under the image of the booklet and click on the appropriate language: English or Spanish.  The booklet will download and open.  This booklet defines and explains many New York laws that protect the rights of pregnant teens, teen mothers and their children.   
    Teenagers Right to Confidential Reproductive Health Care in New York State addresses many questions including: "What do I have to tell my parents?" and "Do I have the choice about what happens?"
     
    Information about adoption
    Adoption resources and information are available on this helpful website. 
     
    Information for teen parents
    WIC (218-1450) stands for Women, Infants and Children. WIC is a special supplemental food program that provides nutritious foods, milk, juice, formula and other items to low income pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age 5. Catholic Charities WIC manages this service in Erie County.
    Harvest House of South Buffalo is a part of a ministry for babies and children; they can provide clothing, safe cribs, carseats, strollers, toys, books, etc. (not diapers or formula).  
    Daycare vouchers can help pay for daycare at registered or licensed daycare settings. 
    Child Support Enforcement 888-208-4485 can help locate a parent, establish paternity, obtain a child support court order, enforce current or back payments and help when additional child support is needed.   
     
     
     
     
Last Modified on September 15, 2014