Teen Alliance for Prepared Parenting

Loral Patchen
Executive Director

Teen Alliance for Prepared Parenting (TAPP) is a community service initiative within the division of Women’s and Infants’ Services at MedStar Washington Hospital Center that addresses the high rate of teen pregnancy in the nation’s capital. TAPP is a comprehensive youth services program that provides a unique mix of clinical and psychosocial services, to help young parents avoid unintended subsequent pregnancy during adolescence; continue and complete their education; master life management skills and improve the future for their children.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to work with and assist young families, in their effort to parent successfully, live meaningful lives and act with purpose in their community.

HOW TAPP WORKS

TAPP believes that subsequent pregnancy prevention is most successful through the combination of medical, educational and social involvement. TAPP works to reduce teen pregnancy by:

• increasing health knowledge and promoting healthy behavior;
• improving life management and coping skills;
• encouraging a sense of hope and expanding expectations for the future;
• increasing access to contraception, reproductive and sexual health services.

SERVICES

TAPP provides a full range of services that promote healthier living and improve the overall well-being of pregnant and parenting youth.

A dedicated team of professionals, including nurse-midwives, physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, youth development specialists and health educators work together to implement TAPP.

Adolescents participating in TAPP receive:

• obstetric and gynecologic services
• prenatal education
• parenting education
• family planning and contraceptive services
• individual and group counseling
• workshops in communication, conflict resolution and other life-management skills
• support to ensure the continuation and completion of education

NEWSLETTER

To read the latest edition of TAPP N2 the News click here.

WHO CAN JOIN

Adolescents who are pregnant and aged 18 or younger are eligible to enroll at any time during their pregnancy. Young fathers may enroll if they are expecting a child, or if they have a child under the age of five years. Once enrolled, youth may continue to participate in the program until 23 years of age.

CONTACT INFORMATION

To enroll in the Teen Alliance for Prepared Parenting program, call TAPP at 202-877-0748, and speak with Davita Mitchell. She will answer your questions, guide you through the enrollment process and help with scheduling appointments. Make a gift by using our secure online donation form.