Reference Document

PREGNANT & PARENTING YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICES ADD-ON

Refuge House, Inc.
Last updated: July 24, 2026 · Source: policies-procedures/Package-Specific/PREGNANT & PARENTING YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICES ADD-ON.md

PREGNANT & PARENTING YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICES ADD-ON

POLICY AND PROCEDURES


DOCUMENT CONTROL

Document Information
Document Title Pregnant & Parenting Youth Support Services Add-On: Policy and Procedures
Document Type Combined Policy and Procedure Document
Policy Number FC-PPY-01
Procedure Number FC-PPY-01.1
Effective Date [Insert Date]
Review Date [Annual Review Required]
Approved By Board of Directors (Policy) / Executive Director (Procedures)
Version 1.1
Revision Date 12/19/25.1; 05/2026
LAST UPDATED 5/15/2026
LAST APPROVED 5/22/2026
APPLICABLE T3C PACKAGES APPLICABLE T3C ADD-ON SERVICES
☒ T3C Basic Foster Family Home Support Services ☐ Transition Support Services for Youth & Young Adults
☒ Substance Use Support Services ☐ Kinship Caregiver Support Services
☒ Mental & Behavioral Health Support Services ☒ Pregnant & Parenting Youth Support Services
☒ Sexual Aggression/Sex Offender Support Services
☒ Complex Medical Needs Support Services
☒ Human Trafficking Victim/Survivor Support Services
☒ IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services
☒ T3C Treatment Foster Family Care Support Services

TABLE OF CONTENTS

POLICY SECTIONS

  1. Purpose and Commitment
  2. Governing Principles
  3. Service Philosophy

PROCEDURE SECTIONS

  1. Relationship Between Policy and Procedure
  2. Eligibility and Enrollment
  3. Staffing Requirements
  4. Assessment and Planning
  5. Core Service Components
  6. Foster Home Support
  7. Benefit Coordination
  8. Educational Support
  9. Aftercare Services
  10. Documentation and Outcomes
  11. Quality Assurance

POLICY SECTIONS

1. PURPOSE AND COMMITMENT

The Board of Directors establishes this policy to ensure pregnant and parenting youth in our care receive comprehensive, trauma-informed support services that promote healthy outcomes for both the young parent and their child(ren). We commit to providing non-judgmental, strength-based services that honor the youth's role as a parent while supporting their continued development and education.

This policy governs the implementation of the Pregnant & Parenting Youth Support Services Add-On as defined in the T3C System Blueprint, ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements while maintaining our commitment to exceeding minimum standards through evidence-based practice.

2. GOVERNING PRINCIPLES

2.1 Dual-Generation Approach

We recognize that supporting young parents requires simultaneous attention to the needs of both the parent and child. All services shall address the intergenerational impact of trauma while building protective factors for both generations.

2.2 Non-Judgmental Support

We affirm that young parents deserve respect, dignity, and support regardless of their circumstances. Services shall be delivered without judgment, focusing on building parenting capacity and confidence.

2.3 Voluntary Engagement

We acknowledge that services cannot be forced. Our approach emphasizes persistent, creative engagement strategies that build trust and demonstrate the value of support services.

2.4 Cultural Responsiveness

We honor diverse parenting practices and family structures, ensuring services respect cultural values while promoting child safety and well-being.

2.5 Father Inclusion

We commit to inclusive services that actively engage fathers and co-parents in the youth's parenting journey, recognizing the importance of all parental figures in children's lives. Services shall include proactive outreach to fathers and co-parents, safety-screened co-parenting support, and paternity establishment assistance, while maintaining the safety and well-being of the young mother as the primary consideration.

2.6 Program Expectations Notification

We commit to ensuring all youth receiving this Add-On Service are formally notified of program expectations, participation requirements, and available supports in a manner that is accessible and youth-friendly.

3. SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

Our pregnant and parenting youth services embrace the belief that young parents can succeed with appropriate support. We provide:


PROCEDURE SECTIONS

4. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLICY AND PROCEDURE

The following procedures operationalize the principles established in the policy sections by providing specific implementation details. These procedures may be updated by the Executive Director to adapt to regulatory changes or operational improvements without Board approval, provided changes maintain alignment with policy intent.

5. ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT

Purpose and Overview

Clear eligibility determination ensures appropriate youth receive specialized support services. This section establishes procedures for identifying eligible youth and managing enrollment in compliance with T3C Blueprint requirements.

5.1 Eligibility Criteria

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Case Manager Review youth status against eligibility criteria: pregnant or actively parenting biological child Upon referral or identification Case management system T3C Blueprint p.159-165
Case Manager Verify child custody status (DFPS conservatorship or not) Within 24 hours of identification Legal records T3C Blueprint p.159
Case Manager Confirm youth resides with biological child in foster home At placement Placement records T3C Blueprint p.159
Supervisor Approve eligibility determination Within 2 business days Supervision log TAC §749.1301

Two Eligibility Scenarios:

  1. DFPS does NOT have conservatorship of youth's child
  2. DFPS has conservatorship with active reunification goal

5.2 Enrollment Process

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Case Manager Submit Add-On Service authorization request Within 5 business days of eligibility IMPACT/designated system DFPS 24-Hr RCC Requirements (FY26)
Parenting Support Specialist Meet with youth to notify them of the expectations of the Add-On Service program using youth-friendly materials available at https://previewforms.refugehouse.org Within 7 days of authorization Youth file T3C Blueprint p.160 — ENHANCEMENT REQUIREMENT
Case Manager Document voluntary participation and engagement efforts At each contact Contact log T3C Blueprint p.161
Foster Parent Sign agreement acknowledging enhanced support requirements Prior to placement Placement agreement TAC §749.2457

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Purpose and Overview

Specialized staffing ensures young parents receive consistent, knowledgeable support throughout their journey. The Program Director's qualifications and experience uniquely position them to lead program development while maintaining direct service involvement during implementation.

6.1 Program Leadership

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Executive Director Designate Kelsey Batista, LCPAA and Program Director, as program lead based on qualifications At program initiation Organizational chart TAC §749.665
HR Department Document program leader qualifications: LCPAA licensure, Program Director experience, parent of 3 children Prior to designation Personnel file TAC §749.665
Program Director Allocate time for program development, implementation, and direct service Weekly schedule Staff planning T3C Blueprint p.161

Kelsey Batista's Unique Qualifications:

6.2 Parenting Support Specialist/Mentor Position

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Program Director Define hybrid role combining parenting support with compatible duties During implementation planning Job description T3C Blueprint p.161
HR Department Post position with required qualifications When establishing service HR system TAC §749.665
Program Director Monitor caseloads: 1 staff per 20 youth maximum Monthly Caseload tracking T3C Blueprint p.162

Note: During initial implementation, Program Director may carry partial caseload while building program infrastructure.

6.3 Training Requirements

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Training Coordinator Enroll staff in TBRI® for parenting support Within first week LMS TAC §749.43
Staff Complete specialized parenting support training modules Within 60 days Training records T3C Blueprint p.160
Program Director Provide mentorship on dual-generation approach Ongoing Supervision notes TAC §749.911
Staff Complete infant/child safety training Within 30 days Training records TAC §749.931

7. ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING

Purpose and Overview

Comprehensive assessment captures the unique needs of both young parent and child, forming the foundation for individualized support planning. Separate timelines for pregnant versus parenting youth ensure appropriate urgency.

7.1 Initial Assessment Process

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Parenting Support Specialist Complete pregnancy assessment addressing prenatal care, support system, knowledge gaps Within 7 days for pregnant youth Assessment form in Radius T3C Blueprint p.160
Parenting Support Specialist Complete parenting assessment including parent-child interaction, skills, supports Within 14 days for parenting youth Assessment form in Radius T3C Blueprint p.160
Youth Participate in strength-based assessment process During assessment Assessment documentation TAC §749.1311
Parenting Support Specialist Observe parent-child interaction in natural setting Within assessment timeframe Observation notes T3C Blueprint p.160

7.2 Custom Parenting Plan Development

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Parenting Support Specialist Develop Custom Parenting Plan that includes all required areas: • Safe sleeping arrangementsSuggestions for childproofing potentially dangerous settings in a homeChild development and methods to cope with challenging behaviorsSelection of appropriate substitute caregiversThe benefits of reading, singing, and talking to young childrenHealthy relationships, including the prevention of intimate partner violence Within 7 days of assessment Service plan supplement in Radius T3C Blueprint p.160-162 — ENHANCEMENT REQUIREMENT
Youth Identify learning priorities and preferred methods During planning Plan document TAC §749.1311
Treatment Team Review and integrate parenting plan with service plan At next review Service plan TAC §749.1309
Foster Parent Provide input on daily support needs During planning Team notes TAC §749.2457

Required Plan Components (per T3C Blueprint p.160-162):

8. CORE SERVICE COMPONENTS

Purpose and Overview

Evidence-based service delivery addresses the comprehensive needs of young families through education, support, and practical assistance. Services build parenting confidence while supporting youth development.

8.1 Parenting Education and Support

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Parenting Support Specialist Provide individualized parenting education using evidence-based curricula addressing all Custom Parenting Plan components Minimum bi-weekly Contact log in Radius T3C Blueprint p.160
Parenting Support Specialist Facilitate parent-child interaction coaching During home visits Visit notes T3C Blueprint p.160
Parenting Support Specialist Connect to parenting support groups Within 30 days Referral tracking T3C Blueprint p.161
Foster Parent Reinforce parenting skills daily Ongoing Daily logs TAC §749.2457

8.2 Healthcare Coordination

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Parenting Support Specialist Coordinate prenatal care appointments As scheduled Medical records T3C Blueprint p.160
Parenting Support Specialist Ensure STAR Health enrollment for baby Within 30 days of birth Benefits tracking T3C Blueprint p.161
Case Manager Facilitate Early Childhood Intervention referral if needed Within 14 days of identification ECI records in Radius T3C Blueprint p.161 — ENHANCEMENT REQUIREMENT
Parenting Support Specialist Support well-child visit attendance Per pediatric schedule Medical documentation T3C Blueprint p.160

8.3 Crisis Support

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
On-call staff Respond to parenting crises or emergencies Within 30 minutes Crisis log TAC §749.2701
Parenting Support Specialist Provide follow-up support after crisis Within 24 hours Case notes TAC §749.1057
Program Director Review crisis patterns for service improvement Monthly QA review TAC §749.665

8.4 Logistical Support and Coordination

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Foster Family Home Caregivers Offer logistical support, transportation, coordination, and documentation/record keeping of services, specific to not only the youth, but their child(ren) as needed Daily throughout placement Foster home and community T3C Blueprint p.160-162 — ENHANCEMENT REQUIREMENT
Case Manager Monitor and support foster family's coordination efforts During home visits Visit documentation TAC §749.1027
Parenting Support Specialist Assist with scheduling dual-generation appointments As needed Coordination log T3C Blueprint p.161

8.5 Father and Co-Parenting Engagement

Purpose and Overview

Consistent with the Father Inclusion principle established in §2.5, Refuge House will proactively engage fathers and co-parents in the young parent's support services. This engagement supports child well-being, promotes healthy co-parenting relationships, and builds the youth's broader support network. All engagement is conducted with the safety and well-being of the young mother as the primary consideration, including screening for intimate partner violence prior to any co-parenting coordination.

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Parenting Support Specialist 1. Screen for intimate partner violence and safety concerns prior to any father/co-parent engagement using validated IPV screening tool; document findings and adjust engagement approach accordingly At initial assessment; at each reassessment Assessment in Radius T3C Blueprint p.160-162
Parenting Support Specialist 2. With youth's consent and where safety allows, conduct outreach to identified father/co-parent to: introduce available co-parenting support services; explain benefits to child; invite participation in appropriate service components Within 30 days of enrollment where safe and appropriate Contact log in Radius T3C Blueprint p.160-162
Parenting Support Specialist 3. Support paternity establishment where applicable: provide information on voluntary acknowledgment of paternity; connect to legal aid resources; coordinate with DFPS as required Within 30 days of identification of need Legal records in Radius T3C Blueprint p.161
Parenting Support Specialist 4. Facilitate co-parenting support services where both parents consent and safety is established: co-parenting communication skills; shared parenting responsibilities; child-centered decision making; healthy boundaries and conflict de-escalation Per service plan; at least monthly where active Co-parenting session notes in Radius T3C Blueprint p.160-162
Case Manager 5. Integrate father/co-parent engagement status into service plan review; document barriers to engagement and alternate strategies when father is absent, unwilling, or excluded for safety At each 90-day service plan review Service plan in Radius TAC §749.1309
Program Director 6. Review father engagement outcomes quarterly; identify systemic barriers and adjust outreach strategies as needed Quarterly CQI documentation TAC §749.665

Father Engagement Safety Protocol:

9. FOSTER HOME SUPPORT

Purpose and Overview

Foster parents require specialized training and support to successfully nurture both young parent and child. Enhanced training builds capacity for this unique caregiving role.

9.1 Foster Parent Training

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Training Coordinator Provide specialized training on supporting young parents Prior to placement Training records TAC §749.863
Program Director Deliver training on dual-generation trauma impact Within 30 days Training log T3C Blueprint p.160
Parenting Support Specialist Train on supporting parent-child bonding Before first placement Training records TAC §749.931

Required Training Topics:

9.2 Ongoing Foster Home Support

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Parenting Support Specialist Provide consultation on parenting challenges and logistical support needs As needed, minimum monthly Consultation log T3C Blueprint p.160
Foster Parent Access 24/7 support line As needed Call log TAC §749.629
Program Director Facilitate foster parent support group Monthly Meeting notes TAC §749.665

10. BENEFIT COORDINATION

Purpose and Overview

Comprehensive benefit coordination ensures young families access all available resources. Staff expertise in benefit systems enables timely enrollment and sustained support. The Service Plan should include comprehensive support and coordination of services to both the youth and their child(ren).

10.1 Benefit Navigation and Enrollment

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Case Manager/Parenting Support Specialist Support and aid in seeking, completing all necessary referrals, and providing coordination of services to both the youth and for their child(ren), including but not limited to:Early Childhood InterventionHHSC Women and Children's Health programsPrevention and Early Intervention ProgramDay care (if applicable)All other state, federal, and community benefits Initial referrals within 7 days; Ongoing coordination Benefits tracking in Radius T3C Blueprint p.160-162 — ENHANCEMENT REQUIREMENT
Parenting Support Specialist Assist the youth with completing all forms and referrals using Benefit Enrollment Checklist at https://previewforms.refugehouse.org During application process Application documentation T3C Blueprint p.161 — ENHANCEMENT REQUIREMENT
Parenting Support Specialist Complete STAR Health enrollment for baby Within 30 days of birth Benefits file T3C Blueprint p.161
Parenting Support Specialist Submit WIC application with youth Within 14 days of eligibility WIC records T3C Blueprint p.161
Case Manager Coordinate HHSC Women & Children's Health referral Within 7 days of pregnancy confirmation Referral tracking T3C Blueprint p.161
Parenting Support Specialist Apply for childcare assistance 60 days before needed Childcare records T3C Blueprint p.161

Mandatory Referrals Checklist (per T3C Blueprint):

10.2 Financial Support for Child's Needs

January 2026 Funding Clarification: The Pregnant & Parenting Youth (PPY) Add-On Service covers all comprehensive support services for the youth, including parenting education, coordination, specialized parenting support, and all services described throughout this document. The biological child's basic needs (food, formula, clothing, diapers, medical co-pays, developmental toys, transportation, recreation, and educational materials) are funded through the Foster Care Maintenance Payment (FCMP) enhanced daily rate (an additional $26.28/day to the foster home). These funding streams are complementary and ensure both the youth and their child(ren) receive full coverage without duplication of funding.

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Finance Department Process enhanced foster care payment (additional $26.28/day to foster home) Monthly Financial records T3C Blueprint p.159
Foster Parent Purchase child necessities using enhanced payment As needed Receipts T3C Blueprint p.159
Case Manager Review adequacy of financial support Quarterly Service plan review TAC §749.1309

Covered Needs:

11. EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

Purpose and Overview

Continued education remains critical for long-term success. Services balance parenting responsibilities with educational goals through flexible, supportive approaches.

11.1 Educational Planning

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Education Specialist Assess impact of parenting on education Within 14 days Education plan TAC §749.1335
Parenting Support Specialist Coordinate childcare for school attendance Prior to semester start Childcare plan T3C Blueprint p.161
Case Manager Advocate for accommodations (pumping space, flexible schedule) As needed School records TAC §749.2621
Youth Participate in educational goal setting During planning Education plan TAC §749.1311

11.2 Alternative Education Options

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Education Specialist Explore online/flexible schooling options If traditional school challenging Education file TAC §749.2621
Parenting Support Specialist Support GED preparation if appropriate Based on youth choice Education records TAC §749.1335
Case Manager Connect to vocational programs with childcare As appropriate Resource directory at https://previewforms.refugehouse.org T3C Blueprint p.159

12. AFTERCARE SERVICES

Purpose and Overview

Six months of aftercare ensures continuity during the critical transition period. Services focus on sustaining progress and preventing crisis through graduated support.

12.1 Discharge Planning

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Parenting Support Specialist Develop robust aftercare plan with youth addressing both parent and child needs 60 days before discharge Aftercare plan in Radius T3C Blueprint p.162
Case Manager Secure stable housing appropriate for parent and child Prior to discharge Housing records TAC §749.503
Parenting Support Specialist Ensure benefit transfers/continuations for all services 30 days before discharge Benefits checklist T3C Blueprint p.162
Youth Identify support network for aftercare period During planning Support map TAC §749.503

12.2 Aftercare Service Delivery

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Aftercare Specialist Provide contact per youth preference Weeks 1-4: Weekly Months 2-6: Bi-weekly Contact log T3C Blueprint p.162-163
Aftercare Specialist Respond to parenting crises Within 24 hours Crisis log T3C Blueprint p.162
Aftercare Specialist Make new referrals as needs arise Within 72 hours of identification Referral tracking T3C Blueprint p.162
Aftercare Specialist Submit monthly reports to SSCC/DFPS By 5th of each month Report submission T3C Blueprint p.163

Aftercare Focus Areas:

13. DOCUMENTATION AND OUTCOMES

Purpose and Overview

Outcome tracking demonstrates service effectiveness while maintaining focus on practical documentation. Integration with existing systems minimizes burden while capturing essential data.

13.1 Documentation Requirements

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Parenting Support Specialist Document all education and support provided including program expectations notification Within 24 hours Case notes in Radius TAC §749.1057
Parenting Support Specialist Track voluntary participation and engagement efforts At each contact attempt Contact log T3C Blueprint p.161
Case Manager Maintain Custom Parenting Plan in service record Updated quarterly Service plan in Radius TAC §749.1309
Data Analyst Generate outcome reports Quarterly Radius reporting TAC §749.665
Foster Family Caregivers Document all logistical support, transportation, and coordination provided for both youth and child(ren) Daily/as provided Daily logs in Radius T3C Blueprint p.160-162

13.2 Outcome Measurement

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Quality Assurance Track safety outcomes for parent and child Monthly Safety dashboard T3C Blueprint p.162
Program Director Monitor permanency goal progress Quarterly Permanency tracking T3C Blueprint p.162
Parenting Support Specialist Assess parenting skill development Every 90 days Skills assessment T3C Blueprint p.162
Data Analyst Analyze outcomes by foster home and staff Quarterly Performance reports T3C Blueprint p.162

Primary Outcome Indicators:

14. QUALITY ASSURANCE

Purpose and Overview

Continuous improvement ensures services evolve to meet changing needs. The Logic Model guides systematic enhancement of all service components.

14.1 Logic Model Implementation

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
Program Director Develop service-specific Logic Model Within 30 days of implementation QA files T3C Blueprint p.160
QA Coordinator Monitor fidelity to dual-generation approach Quarterly Fidelity reports TAC §749.673
Program Director Lead CQI team in service review Monthly Meeting minutes TAC §749.665

14.2 Continuous Improvement Process

Who How When Where Regulatory Reference
CQI Team Review outcome data and identify improvements Quarterly CQI reports TAC §749.665
Youth Advisory Provide feedback on service effectiveness Quarterly or as available Feedback forms T3C Blueprint (Youth Voice)
Program Director Implement program enhancements As identified Policy updates TAC §749.665
Foster Parents Participate in program evaluation Semi-annually Survey results TAC §749.665

REGULATORY REFERENCES

RELATED PROCEDURES

FORMS/ATTACHMENTS

The following documentation tools are integrated into the Radius dashboard system and/or available at https://previewforms.refugehouse.org:

Core Documentation:

Enhanced Documentation (Year 2+):

All documentation is built into Radius workflows to ensure compliance while minimizing duplication.


This procedure document operationalizes the principles established in the corresponding policy by providing specific implementation details (who, when, where, and how). While policies require Board approval and remain relatively stable, procedures may be updated by the Executive Director to adapt to regulatory changes, technological advancements, or operational improvements without requiring Board approval, provided such changes maintain alignment with the policy's intent.