Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the way and extent that 124 schools and collaborative relationships across the state of California meet the needs of pregnant teens and teen parents with a positive environment and assist them in completing their high school and postsecondary education. Methodology. This study used descriptive research. A survey was conducted of the 124 Cal-SAFE Programs across the state of California. Data were collected to describe the program agencies that provide services to assist pregnant and parenting teens. Quantitative data were collected using a Likert scale. Frequency distribution, mean score, and standard deviation were conducted to determine the distribution frequencies and central tendency of the rating. Qualitative data generated from the program coordinators' evaluation were used to substantiate the quantitative data. Findings. This study found that the higher priorities among the nineteen types of available assistance by the contributors were the mental health and comprehensive health education, including reproductive health-care services. The lesser strengths were the peer support groups and counseling, and prenatal education and care, including childbirth preparation. Conclusions. It is evident that the available services assist the receiving students in getting an appropriate education in comparison to services available to nonprogram students. Over 70 percent of the enrolled students are seen as making progress toward high school graduation, staying in school because of program participation, significantly improving their parenting skills and improving school attendance. Recommendations. (1) Develop case studies to follow the success springing from the services, (2) conduct further studies of the same or similar services in other states, and (3) conduct further study of any additional services that would add to the success of this program for the population it serves.