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Frequently Asked Questions

I just found out I'm pregnant, where can I get help?

Call Teen Parent Connections, where you can share your situation and they can explain your rights, responsibilities and options. If you want ongoing help you can sign up to meet with one of the case managers. All services are free and confidential.

What if I need prenatal care and I can't face telling my parents that I'm pregnant?

If you are not living at home and your parents are not supporting you, you can apply for regular Medi-Cal on your own.

Even if you are living with your parents or they are supporting you, you can get "Medi-Cal Minor Consent" for free, without anyone telling your parents. This covers pregnancy care. It also covers family planning, birth control, abortion, treatment for drug or alcohol problems, mental health problems, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual assault. You can apply for Medi-Cal Minor Consent at the Sonoma County Human Services office and at some clinics.

If you or your family earn too much to get Medi-Cal for free, you should be able to get health insurance through Healthy Families. This covers people up to age 19. It is not free, but the cost is low.

If I have a baby, can I get help to support myself and my child while I finish school?

Even with the changes to welfare, some teen parents can still get aid. You might get monthly cash and food stamp benefits, and Medi-Cal for you and your baby by applying at the Sonoma County Human Services office. If you have not finished high school and qualify for cash aid, you will be eligible for the Cal-Learn program.

How can I go to school if I'm pregnant or have a baby?

Attending school while you are pregnant or parenting is still an option. You are legally entitled to continue attending your regular school. However if you prefer to change schools, or you need an educational setting which also provides child care, there are a number of programs offered throughout the county. Call TPC for details, or download the brochure "Educational Options for Pregnant and Parenting Teenagers" (pdf).

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