Special Programs

Tandem Teen Prenatal and Parenting Program

The Tandem Teen Prenatal & Parenting Program is an interagency collaboration, led by People's Community Clinic, designed to provide medical, mental health, educational/vocational, and social support to low-income young parents and their children. The Tandem program seeks to promote the health and well-being of participating young families and to reduce their risk of subsequent unplanned pregnancies.

Tandem is an interagency effort, led by People’s Community Clinic, to address the medical, educational and psychosocial needs of young parents during pregnancy and through the first three years of their baby’s life. By partnering with Any Baby Can, Austin Child Guidance Center, LifeWorks, and the University of Texas Center for Social Work Research, the program is able to offer a comprehensive array of services to young parents including intensive case management, mental health services, medical care and prenatal, child development, family planning, and parenting education.

Now in its twelfth year, Tandem has been particularly effective in promoting positive health behaviors among its participants. Over 90% of participants have accessed ongoing healthcare for themselves and their children, including annual exams, well-child checks, sick care, and up-to-date immunizations. Tandem's effectiveness in promoting increased contraceptive use has been reflected in a low rate of subsequent pregnancies. A second birth during her teen years greatly increases the negative social, educational, and health consequences for both the young mother and her children. An annual average of 9% of active Tandem participants become pregnant again within a year compared with 21% nationally.

Available reports:

Cost Analysis of the Tandem Teen Parenting Program

Prepared for: St. David’s Community Health Foundation

Prepared by: Dr. Toni Watt

September 30, 2008

Lifting Teen Families: Strengthening Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Teens

Report evaluating community services (including Tandem) for pregnant and parenting teens

Prepared for: St. David's Community Health Foundation

Prepared by: Becky Pastner, Program Officer

Spring 2008