SUPPORTING PARENTS UNDER 25:

A toolkit for, and by, Young Parent Programs

The Parents Under 25 toolkit was developed with insights and experiences from staff and parents both within the state of Massachusetts and nationally. It provides tools, approaches, and ideas for working effectively with parents under 25, and how to support them on their journey.

Go straight to the Toolkit

Across Massachusetts, numerous agencies interact with parents under 25 and their families.  Front-line staff and agencies are committed to continuous quality improvement around the services and supports needed to effectively engage with this unique population. Young families are at a critical crossroads in their journey of discovery of who they are and what they want to be in life, just as their child is entering their own most intense growth period.  

Programs support parents and their children through this time of rapid growth by fostering:

  • Empowerment as parents pursue educational, vocational and life goals, while establishing support networks that allow them to successfully navigate their growing world. 
  • The skills necessary to advocate and care for their children so that ultimately their families are safe, healthy, and thriving.
  • A sense of hope and agency to break the cycles of multi-generational exposure to adversities such as poverty and trauma by connecting them to resources beyond their current capacity.
  • A connection to a variety of engagement opportunities including life, personal, parenting, family and community.

Ready to take the Parenting Under 25 Training? Then access the toolkit here:

Supporting Parents Under 25 Toolkit

Learn more about how to use the Parenting Under 25 Toolkit in this micro-learning module:

Learning and Networking Opportunities: 

Trauma-Informed and Responsive Community Cafés 

Trauma-Informed and Responsive Community Cafes

This is a 3 part series exploring the foundations of trauma and its impact on children, youth, families, and staff, facilitated by the Center on Child Wellbeing and Trauma. This series offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills, share experiences, and deepen your understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of parents under 25 through a lens of trauma-informed and responsive care. The series will explore various topics including complex trauma, intergenerational trauma, adverse childhood experiences, resilience, and protective factors.

Each session is designed to be interactive and collaborative, offering you a chance to engage with peers, discuss best practices and themes from the Parents Under 25 Toolkit, and explore innovative strategies for supporting parents under 25. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, these sessions will provide valuable insights and tools that you can apply in your work.

DATES:

Foundations (1) October 16th, 2024 10-11:30am | Register Here

Intergenerational Trauma (2) November 20,2024 10-11:30am | Register Here

Building Resilience and Protective Factors (3) December 4th 10-11:30am | Register Here

Resources for Parents and Providers

Family Resource Centers

Crisis Support

Parents Helping Parents

Hand Hold MA

Department of Transitional Assistance

Adolescent Support Programs

The Massachusetts Pregnant and Parenting Teen Initiative

DTA Pathways to Work