Teens who have children are often thrust into a new world which they are unprepared for. Adult first-time parents are often overwhelmed by the new responsibility of taking care for a human being, and they are more mature, both emotionally and financially, than teens. As overwhelming as it is for teen parents, there are resources available to you. Remember, while you are taking on a whole new level of responsibility, you do not have to undertake this ordeal alone. There are several organizations that will provide necessary products and guidance at low cost, or even for free.

Women, Infants, Children (WIC)

WIC provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. Call to make an appointment at (865) 215-5016 or visit the website for more information Knox County WIC.

Parents as Teachers

Parents as teachers, a Knox County Health Department program, a free home-based parent education and family support program that provides information, activities and encouragement to families until their child enters Kindergarten. Call (865) 594-1159 for more information or visit the Parents as Teachers website.

Healthy Families East Tennessee

A service of the Helen Ross McNabb Center, Inc., HFET serves first-time parents in Knox, Blount, Sevier, Loudon and Jefferson Counties. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call a Family Assessment worker at (865) 637-9711 ext 1275 or visit the Healthy Families of East Tennessee website.

CHANT

The CHANT ( Community Health Access and Navigation in Tennessee ) program provides free and voluntary care coordination services to TennCare eligible and TennCare  enrolled pregnant women and children and youth less than 21 years old, including those with special healthcare needs. For more information email [email protected] or call 865-215-5190

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