The Family Court of District of Columbia Superior Court

Workshops at a Glance...

A—The District of Columbia Public Schools’ New Heights Program for Expectant and Parenting Students

1:45 p.m.—3:00 p.m.

Location: Room 207A

Panelists:
  • M. Victoria Bellard, New Heights Program Coordinator, Anacostia High School, District of Columbia Public Schools
  • Adia Burns, New Heights Program Coordinator, Woodson High School, District of Columbia Public Schools
  • Safiya Harvey, New Heights Program Coordinator, Ballou High School, District of Columbia Public Schools

 

Moderator:
Diana Bruce, Director of Health and Wellness, District of Columbia Public Schools

During this session, attendees will learn how the District of Columbia Public Schools ensures its expectant and parenting students receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education by providing school-based support services at 13 DCPS and 2 Public Charter Schools through the New Heights Program. Attendees will learn how the program seeks to improve the attendance and graduation rates of these students, prepare them for college or careers, and prevent subsequent pregnancies. Attendees will also discover how students participating in New Heights work as partners with staff members to develop strengths-based solutions to the challenges confronting them and their children. This presentation will provide detailed information about the program, it's collaboration model, and how members of the court system community can work together with New Heights to help improve the outcomes of court adjudicated expectant and parenting youth.

 

B– Supporting Pregnancy Prevention Through Advocacy and Mentoring

2:00 p.m.—3:15 p.m.

Location: Room 207B

Panelists:
  • Kyle Lafferty, Senior Manager, National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
  • Abayea Pelt, Manager for After Care, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of DC (CASA DC)
  • Kristal Wortham, CASA Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of DC (CASA DC)

Moderator:
Abayea Pelt, Manager for After Care

Representatives from Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of DC (CASA DC) will discuss engaging youth on the issue of pregnancy prevention through advocacy and mentoring relationships. Information, strategies and resources will be explored in this panel discussion. The panelists will present perspectives gained from working with youth, including teen parents.

 

C—Advocating for Public Benefits and Legal Services: Special Considerations for Teen Parents

2:00 p.m.—3:15 p.m.

Location: Room 206

Panelists:
  • Tanya Jones-Bosier, J.D., Assistant Attorney General, Department of Human Services, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
  • Allison Green, J.D., Supervising Attorney, Children’s Law Center
  • Ashley McDowell, Staff Attorney, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
  • Belinda M. Tilley, J.D., Section Chief for the Legal Services Section Child Support Service Division, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
  • Tonya Turner, J.D., Assistant Attorney General, Domestic Violence Section, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia

Moderator:
Nancy Drane, J.D., C.W.L.S., Pro Bono Director, Children’s Law Center

Teen parents often seek access to public benefit programs and legal services to support their children. The panelists, most of whom specialize in working with teen clients, will share their expertise in accessing programs such as TANF, WIC, food stamps, and navigating legal issues like child support, custody and domestic violence. Attendees will leave this session with a better understanding of the special considerations to keep in mind when advocating for this population, including teen parents who are also in the neglect or delinquency systems. Information will be provided and myths dispelled!

 

 

D—Talk is a Four-Letter WorD

3:30 p.m.—4:45 p.m.

Location: Room 207A

Facilitator:
Brenda Rhodes Miller, Executor Director, DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Trustworthy, well-informed and approachable adults are an essential protective factor when it comes to preventing teen pregnancy. This workshop increases awareness of the skills and knowledge adults need to communicate effectively with young people about love, sex, values and relationships. Interactive and engaging, the workshop helps adults clarify their own values as they examine the pressures young people face in an increasingly sexualized society.

 

E—The Role of Health Service Providers and Educators

3:30 p.m.—4:45 p.m.

Location: Room 207B

Panelists:
  • Lee Savio Beers, M.D., Pediatrician, Assistant Professor and Director, Children’s National Medical Center
  • Danielle Goodman Dooley, M.D., Medical Director, Unity Health Care, Inc.
  • Damian Waters, Fatherhood Coordinator, Healthy Generations Program, Children’s National Medical Center

 

Moderators:
Allison Green, J.D., Supervising Attorney, Children’s Law Center

Participants in this panel, all experts in the field of pediatric medicine, will discuss ways in which health care providers and schools collaborate with parenting and pregnant teens in order to secure improved outcomes for youth.

 

F—The Teen Outreach Program at Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc.

3:30 p.m.—4:45 p.m.

Location: Room 206

Facilitators:
Vera Johnson, LGSW, Managing Director of Community Programs and Engagement, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc.
Melva Mullins, LGSW, Program Director, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc.

Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc. is a national replication partner with Wyman (St. Louis, MO) and we implement Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program (TOP®). TOP® is an evidenced based best practice program that empowers teens to lead successful lives and build strong communities. Our approach consists of meeting with youth once a week, over the course of 9 months utilizing the Changing Scenes curriculum. Youth participate in interactive discussions and activities guided by a trained facilitator. We address areas in conflict management, decision making, healthy relationships and sexuality; to name a few. In addition, we engage youth in community service learning activities that help build character, an appreciation for their community and support on time graduation. Our goal is to provide an environment where youth develop their existing life skills, practice healthy behaviors and enhance their sense of purpose.

Participants in this workshop will be able to:

  • Identify the components of the Teen Outreach Program
  • Experience the TOP® model approach
  • Explore potential opportunities for TOP® to work with the youth they serve