Teenage girls facing pregnancy—often without supportive partners or positive family role models—need love, instruction, and support to rebuild their own lives and assure the well-being of their children. Located near Manheim, the COBYS Teen Mother & Child Group Home serves up to eight young women and children in a residential setting designed to help teen moms learn and grow with their children in a safe and nurturing environment. Group home residents are referred by contracted county children and youth agencies, juvenile probation and parole agencies, churches, and community groups.

Group home residents benefit from these program components:

We Offer

• Each mother and child share a private room, which may be personalized.
• Childcare is provided through a licensed daycare center while teens attend school.
• Parenting classes or personalized parent trainers are provided to ensure the teenage mother is learning appropriate and safe ways to parent her child.
• Independent living services through the Daniel Memorial Program are provided to mothers age 16 and older.
• Time away from the group home with respite families allows the teenage mother and child to be part of a positive family living situation.
• Positive role models and mentors are provided through a local church.
• Options education, including adoption but excluding abortion, is available upon request.
• SWAN services, such as Child Profiles and Child Preparation, are provided at the request of the county children and youth agency.
• A lifebook provided to each teenage mother is personalized to document her life experiences.
• Individual and group recreational activity opportunities are offered to each teen. Individual hobbies and interests are encouraged and fostered.
• 24-hour staff coverage is provided to all teenage mothers and their children. Overnight awake staff is on duty from 11 p.m. until 7a.m.

School & Work

• All teenage mothers are enrolled in the Manheim Central School District or a state-certified educational program.
• Cyber-schooling, GED, and state-approved correspondence programs have been utilized to meet the unique needs of teenage mothers.
• Specific social or learning disabilities are addressed through the Intermediate Unit 13 program or an alternative educational program.
• Opportunities to further a teenage mother's education beyond high school is available to teens who extend their stay.
• Teenage mothers are supported in developing positive attitudes, behaviors, and skills related to future employment.
• When appropriate, teens may obtain a part-time job. Full-time employment is considered after graduation.