“If more children were born to parents who are ready and able to care for them, we would see a significant reduction in a host of social problems from school failure and crime to child abuse and neglect.”
- The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Although teen birth rates in Illinois are slowly declining, teen pregnancy and parenthood continue to be challenges facing our city’s children. According to the Illinois Department of Health, 10% of all births in Cook County were to teen mothers in 2003.

Our Teen Parent and Infant Development Services Program empowers teens to care for themselves and the needs of their infants and avoid subsequent pregnancies through:

• One-on-one home-visiting and doula services which help prepare moms for birth and parenting through education and support.
• Peer support groups that provide a place for young moms and dads to express themselves in an open, honest, and non-judgmental environment and learn how to take care of their new baby.
• Activities that bond young mothers and fathers to their infants early on in the pregnancy.
• Access to healthcare through community partnerships and our counseling services.

Outcomes Achievement

Eight-one percent of Christopher House’s teen moms initiate breastfeeding - building babies' immunities, providing superior nutrition and promoting infant-mother bonding- compared to 43% of teen moms in the general population.

Accolades

Read about the recognition Christopher House has received from local news agencies.