A Holistic Approach to Teen Care
Since it began in 1998, Tandem’s holistic approach has been its cornerstone. Recognizing that pregnant teens face a myriad of psychosocial issues beyond medical care, Tandem integrates intensive interventions addressing family, educational, legal, and emotional wellbeing challenges. Program director Robin Rosell says, “What we started to see immediately was that prenatal care was just the tip of the iceberg.”
This all-encompassing support system has led to significant achievements in pregnancy prevention. For instance, Ashley, a recent Tandem participant, was able to avoid a subsequent pregnancy due largely in part to the comprehensive support she received from Tandem case manager Cathy Smith. Cathy has been with the Tandem program for over twenty years and has worked with Ashley since she was 17, three years ago.
“Cathy has been with me since before I graduated high school – she helped me buy my cap and gown. During COVID she would come to my house and bring supplies like diapers, food, and books. She was always by my side telling me to keep going. I remember thinking ‘it’s going to be ok now, she is going to help me.” – Ashley C., Tandem participant.
“Ashley can be very hard on herself and sometimes doesn’t ask for help.” Cathy Smith noted, “She doesn’t have any real family with her in town, so I kept an eye on her to make sure her needs were met. Since coming to People’s she has graduated high school and she receives ongoing counseling through our collaboration with Austin Child Guidance Center. Ashley has earned her real estate broker’s degree from Austin Community College and is about to take her licensing exam. She is thriving.” –
Ashley is only one example of the positive impact the Tandem program has on its participants and surrounding communities. In recent years, the rate of subsequent pregnancies for Tandem participants has remained impressively below 2% in 2023, starkly contrasting Texas’ 17.1% statewide average in 2020. 75% of Tandem participants are either in school, returned to school, or are employed full time.
A Collaborative Effort for Holistic Care
The success of Tandem lies in the collaboration of four dedicated agencies, each bringing vital services to the table:
- People’s Community Clinic: Leads with medical services, program coordination, family planning, and financial oversight.
- LifeWorks: Offers housing, counseling, and educational programs, including GED and job placement services, and spearheads programming focused on young fathers. Rosell notes, “Dads are different. The support Tandem provides for fathers is much more work-focused, getting them jobs.” The program’s approach to fatherhood includes recognizing the young fathers’ important role in the parenting journey and ensuring they have the resources and support they need.
- Any Baby Can: Provides in-home therapies and family support services.
- Austin Child Guidance Center: Focuses on improving emotional wellbeing through early intervention, diagnosis, and treatment, offering in-home counseling to Tandem teens and ongoing emotional wellbeing support.
Beyond services, each agency also contributes crucial funding, seeking new sources to sustain and expand the program. This collaborative spirit embodies a “divide-and-conquer” mentality, with all egos and agency identities left at the door. A researcher from the Hogg Foundation noted the absence of “turfdom” within Tandem, a testament to the leadership’s commitment to the team and the program.
Cathy Smith shares, “Getting to be part of such an important time in a young parent’s life has been a gift to me for the past 20 years, and having such a supportive collaboration as Tandem, where everyone has the same passion and dedication in helping them to succeed, is what has made this program successful for so long.”
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
Tandem faces several challenges, including changes in reproductive health laws and the regulatory climate regarding people who are not from here. These factors impact access to care and contribute to stress and emotional wellbeing issues among participants. Additionally, there is a persistent need for childcare resources and basic needs assistance, exacerbated by rising living costs and inflation.
Despite the hurdles, Tandem’s collaborative approach has allowed it to adapt and thrive. The program’s success is a testament to the unshakeable dedication of its case managers and the seamless integration of services provided by partner agencies. Intensive case management and strong connections with medical facilities ensure participants receive timely and comprehensive care that provide a sense of safety in the face of a life experience that can seem very bleak when you face it as a teen.
The Importance of Funding and Future Goals
Securing consistent funding is critical for Tandem’s future. The program’s success heavily relies on the support of partners like St. David’s Foundation, which has provided funding for over 27 years. “St. David’s Foundation has been a wonderful blessing to Austin,” says Rosell, acknowledging their pivotal role since the program’s inception and expressing deep gratitude for their continued support.
Looking Ahead
The weekly in-person meetings of the Tandem team foster a sense of community and shared purpose, ensuring that the focus remains on the well-being of the young participants. As we look to the future, the hope is that Tandem will continue to thrive, adapting to new challenges and leveraging community partnerships to provide holistic, compassionate care.
Tandem’s success story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through community collaboration and dedication to the health and well-being of our young people.
